#t: vast ice mountain peak

[vgtrackbracket]

Video Game Track Bracket Round 2

Vast Ice Mountain Peak from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky

vs.

The Dreams Begin from Cultist Simulator

Propaganda under the cut. If you want your propaganda reblogged and added to future polls, please tag it as propaganda or otherwise indicate this!

Vast Ice Mountain Peak:

One of the best songs in the most stacked OST ever made

[icelandoffbeat]

Discover Iceland’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures | A Journey of Exploration and Wonder

Iceland Adventure Holidays: A Nature Lover’s Dream

For those seeking a blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and awe-inspiring natural scenery, Iceland adventure holidays are the perfect choice. Iceland’s rugged landscapes offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking through vast lava fields to ice climbing on towering glaciers. Adventurers can delve into Iceland’s wild beauty, tackling everything from the adrenaline-packed Laugavegur Trail to the thrilling river rafting experiences on the Hvítá River.

In addition to physical challenges, Iceland offers a unique connection with nature, where you can witness geothermal energy bubbling beneath the Earth’s crust, bathe in the famed Blue Lagoon, or stand before the mighty waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss. These experiences not only cater to the thrill-seeker but also provide serenity and peace in some of the world’s most unspoiled landscapes.

Iceland Exploration Tours: Explore Hidden Gems

While the popular Golden Circle tour and Blue Lagoon are often on most tourists’ itineraries, Iceland exploration tours take you beyond the usual spots, guiding you to lesser-known natural wonders and cultural sites. These tours allow visitors to experience Iceland in its rawest form — away from the crowds and into the heart of untouched nature.

One of the most popular ways to explore the country is through self-drive tours. Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is the gateway to a journey filled with stunning coastlines, towering fjords, and ancient Viking history. However, true adventurers will want to go beyond the main roads, venturing into the highlands, where glacial rivers carve through valleys and geothermal hot springs lie waiting to be discovered.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Iceland Tours: Embrace the Unconventional

For travelers seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary, off-the-beaten-path Iceland tours provide a unique opportunity to explore areas of the island that remain untouched by tourism. The central highlands, for instance, are a vast wilderness of volcanic deserts, towering mountains, and hidden oases.

Exploring Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonder in the highlands, is one such off-the-beaten-path experience that leaves a lasting impression. Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and natural hot springs, Landmannalaugar offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the country. The Laugavegur Trail, a multi-day trek through the highlands, is a challenge for even the most experienced hikers, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of isolation make it worth every step.

Another hidden gem is Thórsmörk, a remote valley surrounded by glaciers and volcanic mountains. Accessible by modified super jeeps due to the rugged terrain, Thórsmörk is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that take you through birch forests, glacial rivers, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks.

Iceland Northern Lights Tours: A Celestial Spectacle

No trip to Iceland is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon draws visitors from around the world during the dark winter months. Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see this celestial display, thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle and minimal light pollution.

Iceland Northern Lights tours offer expertly guided experiences that increase your chances of witnessing this magical event. Local guides monitor aurora activity and weather conditions to take you to optimal viewing spots on clear nights, often far from city lights.

For those seeking more than just the lights, combining a Northern Lights tour with other winter activities is highly recommended. Imagine snowmobiling across a glacier or soaking in a geothermal pool while the sky above you dances with hues of green, pink, and purple.

Iceland Photography Tours: Capturing the Wild Beauty

These tours are often led by professional photographers who understand the nuances of shooting in Iceland’s diverse environments, whether you’re capturing the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, or the rugged coastline. You’ll learn techniques for shooting in various conditions, from windy mountaintops to the icy shores of black sand beaches.

Photographers can also explore Iceland’s wildlife, with opportunities to capture puffins, arctic foxes, and even whales. The Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, offers mesmerizing compositions of icy landscapes and towering ice caves, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to improve their nature photography skills.

Conclusion

Iceland is an adventurer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities to explore its untamed wilderness and experience the raw power of nature. Whether you’re embarking on an Iceland exploration tour, going off the beaten path, chasing the Northern Lights, or capturing stunning landscapes through your lens, Iceland has something for every type of traveler.

By choosing these more unconventional routes and experiences, you not only get closer to Iceland’s authentic soul but also help preserve its delicate ecosystems by avoiding over-tourism. So pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

[444namesplus]

source

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[guide-everything]

Best Hikes in Canada: Exploring the Great Outdoors

Canada, with its vast and diverse landscapes, offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the world. From the Rocky Mountains' rugged beauty to the Canadian Shield's pristine wilderness, there is a hike for every nature enthusiast. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best hikes in Canada, highlighting the natural wonders, challenges, and unique experiences they offer.

10 Best Hikes in Canada That You Should Visit

Hiking in Banff National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a hiker's paradise. It boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. Begin your journey with a visit to the stunning Lake Louise, where towering peaks surround the turquoise waters. Moraine Lake, with its mesmerizing blue hues, is another must-see. For a challenging adventure, hike to Sentinel Pass, offering panoramic views of the entire valley.

Banff National Park in Alberta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its pristine wilderness and stunning mountain scenery. Here are some of the highlights of hiking in this breathtaking park:

Exploring Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most iconic and photographed lakes in Canada. The shimmering turquoise waters are set against the backdrop of the majestic Victoria Glacier. Hikers can explore the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail, a moderately strenuous hike leading to a charming teahouse where you can enjoy a warm beverage while enjoying the stunning views.

The Iconic Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a sight to behold with its surreal blue waters surrounded by ten towering peaks. The Rockpile Trail, a short and easy hike, offers a fantastic vantage point for capturing the beauty of Moraine Lake in all its glory. For a more adventurous trek, consider the Larch Valley-Sentinel Pass Circuit, which provides breathtaking panoramic views.

Challenging Hike to Sentinel Pass

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Sentinel Pass hike is a must. This strenuous trail takes you through a lush forest, across a boulder-strewn landscape, and ultimately to a high mountain pass. The reward? A breathtaking view of the entire valley, with Moraine Lake glistening far below.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers a coastal hiking experience like no other. The park is known for its rugged terrain, temperate rainforests, and stunning ocean vistas. The West Coast Trail and the Wild Side Trail are two of its most famous trails.

West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is a challenging multi-day hike that stretches along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. This 75-kilometer trail takes you through lush rainforests, suspension bridges, and pristine beaches. It's an adventure that tests your endurance and rewards you with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Wild Side Trail

For a less strenuous but equally scenic hike, consider the Wild Side Trail. This 11-kilometer trail explores the shoreline of Flores Island, offering glimpses of sea lions, eagles, and the coast's rugged beauty. It's an ideal choice for those who want to experience the wild side of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve without committing to a multi-day trek.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its vast wilderness is home to abundant wildlife and some of Canada's most iconic mountain landscapes. The park's signature trail, the Skyline Trail, promises unforgettable views and adventures.

Hiking the Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail in Jasper is a world-renowned hiking experience. This multi-day trek takes you through pristine alpine meadows, past serene lakes, and beneath the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. With well-equipped backcountry campsites along the route, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness.

The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Don't miss the chance to embark on the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk in the winter months. This guided tour takes you into the depths of a frozen canyon, where you'll encounter surreal ice formations and stunning natural sculptures. It's a unique way to experience the beauty of Jasper National Park in the wintertime.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a geological wonderland located in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its unique landscapes, including fjords and tablelands, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the Green Gardens Trail and conquer the Gros Morne Mountain Trail here.

The Green Gardens Trail

The Green Gardens Trail in Gros Morne National Park offers a fascinating journey through coastal cliffs, meadows, and lush forests. The trail takes its name from the vibrant green vegetation that blankets the landscape, creating a stark contrast against the rugged coastal backdrop. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot seabirds, whales, and other marine life.

Gros Morne Mountain Trail

The Gros Morne Mountain Trail is an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging ascent. The hike to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain offers sweeping views of Ten Mile Pond, the Tablelands, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It's a rewarding journey that showcases the park's geological diversity.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park, located in Ontario, is home to a section of the iconic Bruce Trail. This park is renowned for its rugged limestone cliffs, clear blue waters, and unique geological features. Hikers can explore the Bruce Trail's Georgian Bay Section and discover the enchanting Cyprus Lake Grotto.

Bruce Trail: Georgian Bay Section

The Bruce Trail, one of Canada's longest hiking trails, extends over 890 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory. The Georgian Bay Section in the Bruce Peninsula National Park offers some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes along the trail. Hikers can traverse the rugged shoreline, take in panoramic views, and witness the region's diverse flora and fauna.

Cyprus Lake Grotto

Cyprus Lake Grotto is a hidden gem within the park. You'll hike through a lush forest before descending into the cave—a rocky cavern filled with crystal-clear blue waters to reach it. It's a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a unique photo opportunity.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park in British Columbia is known for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness. Hikers can explore the Takakkaw Falls and Yoho Valley or embark on the challenging Iceline Trail.

Takakkaw Falls and Yoho Valley

Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, is a sight. The hike to reach it takes you through lush forests and opens up to the stunning Yoho Valley. As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding mountain peaks.

Iceline Trail

The Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park offers a high-altitude adventure for experienced hikers. This trail takes you along the treeline, providing vistas of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged mountain landscapes. The Iceline Trail lives up to its name, offering captivating views of the Yoho Glacier.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon is a haven for glacier enthusiasts and those seeking remote wilderness experiences. The park is home to the impressive Donjek Route, which takes hikers deep into the land of glaciers.

Hiking in the Land of Glaciers

The Donjek Route is a multi-day hiking adventure that leads you through awe-inspiring landscapes, including expansive valleys and towering peaks. You'll encounter glaciers, rivers, and pristine wilderness along the way. This challenging route is perfect for those who crave solitude and natural beauty.

Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick is known for its dramatic tides and coastal beauty. Hikers can explore the challenging Fundy Footpath or opt for a more moderate hike along the Laverty Falls Trail.

Fundy Footpath

The Fundy Footpath is a rugged coastal trail that offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. Hikers can expect challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, as they navigate lush forests and cliffside paths. The reward is unspoiled coastal beauty and breathtaking vistas.

Laverty Falls Trail

For a more moderate hiking experience, the Laverty Falls Trail provides a fantastic journey through the park's lush forests. The trail leads to picturesque waterfalls, offering a serene and peaceful escape into nature.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of hiking experiences, including the historic Track and Tower Trail and the rugged Western Uplands Backpacking Trail.

Track and Tower Trail

The Track and Tower Trail is a historically significant hike that takes you through landscapes shaped by the logging industry. Interpretive signs along the route provide insights into the area's history. It's a relatively easy hike that allows you to explore the park's natural beauty while learning about its past.

The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail

The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail offers a more challenging experience for backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts. This multi-day trek leads you through dense forests, past pristine lakes, and into the heart of Algonquin's wilderness. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the park's natural wonders.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands National Park has a rugged beauty and coastal charm. Hikers can explore the iconic Skyline Trail, take in the panoramic views, or venture along the scenic Franey Trail.

Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It offers a relatively easy walk that leads to a breathtaking cliffside viewpoint. Along the way, you may encounter moose and eagles, adding to the allure of this spectacular trail.

Franey Trail

The Franey Trail, located near the park's visitor center, offers a shorter yet rewarding hike. As you ascend to the summit of Franey Mountain, you'll be treated to stunning cliffside views of the park's rugged coastline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Visit our Website Guide Everything

Final words,

Canada's diverse landscapes offer an array of hiking experiences, from coastal trails and mountain treks to serene lakeside strolls. Whether you're an experienced hiker seeking a challenge or a novice looking for a scenic adventure, Canada has it all. Each of these hikes showcases the natural beauty and unique character of different regions within this vast and stunning country.

[ratliffwaller20]

Vitrana: Crystal Fortress of the Stars

Hidden in the hushed whispers of distant nebulae lies the luminescent world of Vitrana. Encased in a massive, transparent crystal shell, this shining jewel radiates with ethereal beauty, its shimmering lights visible across the cosmos. Yet, the magnificence of Vitrana goes beyond its celestial allure; it lies in the harmony of its inhabitants, the elegance of its cities, the advancements of its sciences, and the rhythm of everyday life.

Land and Physical Features

From afar, Vitrana appears as a luminous marble suspended in the abyss, its surface alive with multicolored auroras. The planet's exterior is an impenetrable crystal shell, a protective forcefield that has preserved Vitrana’s pristine ecosystems and saved it from cosmic cataclysms. Beneath this crystal armor, the landscape is a spectacle of organic and crystalline formations, glittering seas, and bio-luminescent flora. Mountains gleam under the three suns, their peaks adorned with reflective ice, casting prismatic spectacles that have become an emblem of Vitrana's visual charm.

Climate & Geography

The planet enjoys a mild, temperate climate, maintained by the regulated transparency of the crystal shell, which allows sunlight in and traps heat as needed. Natural Resources are abundant, primarily in the form of 'Gleamstone', a versatile, crystal-like mineral capable of storing energy. Harvesting and utilization of Gleamstone has shaped Vitrana's economy and technology.

Population and Urbanization

Vitrana is home to approximately ten billion Vitraneans, a humanoid species known for their translucent skin and luminescent eyes. Their cities, often called "Mirage Cities," are a testament to their mastery over light and crystal. Buildings, crafted from Gleamstone, seem to float, suspended in the sky as they refract and reflect light, creating a mesmerizing urban landscape.

Economy

Vitrana's economy is a model of post-scarcity economics, centered around the ubiquitous Gleamstone. This energy-storing crystal, combined with advanced solar harvesting technologies, has eradicated energy shortages. Vitrana's currency, the 'Lumen', is a digital asset backed by the stored energy in the national Gleamstone reserves, creating an energy-based economy where wealth directly translates to power, quite literally.

Government and Legal System

Vitrana is a direct democracy where each citizen's voice counts. Their technology facilitates a system where each decision, from local planning to foreign policies, is put to a public vote. The government's role is mostly administrative, ensuring the smooth operation of these systems.

Crime is almost non-existent on Vitrana, courtesy of an efficient legal system aided by advanced surveillance technologies. Yet, privacy is upheld through consensus algorithms, ensuring an individual's information is accessed only if the collective deems it necessary.

Foreign Relations

Vitrana maintains neutral and peaceful relations with its galactic neighbors. Their foreign policy is based on non-interference, though they do provide humanitarian aid during interstellar crises. They have become a beacon of hope, a symbol of what civilizations can achieve with peace and cooperation.

Society & Culture

The arts flourish on Vitrana, especially the art of 'Luminography', using refracted light to create grandeur displays of visual storytelling. Their calendar revolves around the cycles of their three suns, leading to a unique system of 'Triple Year'.

The Vitraneans enjoy a diet rich in phototrophic organisms that are farmed in vast underwater ranches. Education is prized, with a particular emphasis on science, philosophy, and the arts. The Vitraneans' manners are refined, focusing on empathy and understanding, and their meeting and greeting traditions involve a beautiful dance of light created by handheld Gleamstones.

Science & Technology

Vitraneans' technology is a harmonious blend of magic and science. They have harnessed the energy of their suns, stored in Gleamstones, to fuel their civilization. They've mastered the art of photon manipulation, using light for communication, transportation, and even construction.

Medicine on Vitrana is advanced, using crystal and light-based therapies that can regenerate tissues and cure illnesses. Vitraneans communicate using 'Photocomms', devices that transmit thoughts as encoded light pulses, enabling instantaneous, intuitive communication.

Parting Thoughts...

Vitrana, the crystal world, is a testament to the heights a civilization can reach when it harmoniously co-exists with its surroundings. As the crystal shell protects Vitrana from the harsh cosmos, the Vitraneans, in turn, care for their world, creating a utopia that shines like a beacon, illuminating the way towards a harmonious future among the stars.

[theparanormalperiodical]

Everything You Never Knew About The Nazi UFO Conspiracy Theory (it’s a wild ride)

Oil.

You could tell the story of the modern world through oil.

The thick, sticky liquid is the dark glue clobbering the West together. Nations go to war, governments plot and plunder, and innocent people get caught up in the crossfire. All for oil.

But the oil I’m talking about didn’t start a war. It instead leads us to a little known historical tale. A tale that in turn brings us to the front step of a conspiracy theory.

Our story starts in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

It’s currently -46 degrees celsius. We are surrounded by soft, white stretches of snow and sharp, mountain-esque peaks breaching the ice.

But some would have you believe there is much more to the land lying just beyond the North Pole. According to some theorists, beneath the frost-bitten ground lies an entire hidden society. And amongst the people gathering in this underground bunker sits technological advances quite literally out of this world.

In 1938, an expedition from Nazi Germany was sent out to take control of Queen Maud Land (known then as New Swabia) in order to supply whale oil for the upcoming war in Western Europe.

Theorists, however, claimed that after the war, the remaining Nazis in Europe fled to New Swabia and may have even kept and developed their advancements in aircraft technology. Yes, it is here they keep and dispatch their UFO technology, helped only by a superhuman race or aliens!

Strap in, kids. It’s time to talk about the messy, mysterious and my-god-this-is-weird-shit Nazi UFOs.

2010 was a pretty tame year by the decade’s standards.

But in late November, a meme was born. A meme that probably relaunched a conspiracy that once thrived in a postwar world: it claimed aliens paid a visit to the guys at the top during Nazi Germany’s heyday and offered up advice for advanced aircraft technology.

Ancient Aliens (season 2 episode 5) gave us innocent viewers the lowdown on the UFOs spotted during and after the war that were supposedly related to Hitler’s regime.

This theory clusters alongside other Ancient Aliens theories - that extraterrestrials have popped down now and then to help construct vast civilisations like Ancient Egypt.

Is it true?

Is it bugger.

But the theories and the evidence put forward frame a unique time in history.

What are Nazi UFOs?

The title of this theory is far from imaginative. The theory claims the Nazis were successful in advancing aircrafts and spacecrafts during WW2. But there is also talk of postwar survival of this technology, whether concealed at the North Pole or hiding in plain sight at NASA.

We know that the Nazis made vast strides in engineering and weaponry. In fact, the ‘evidence’ route forward by theorists relies heavily on accounts from high-up figures in the Axis countries.

Take the Repulsine: this was a specialised engine built during the war. How far was the stretch from this feat of engineering to alien-tech? Is it possible that an advanced race of extraterrestrials stopped by with a few tips and tricks?

Apparently so, as put forward by the claims of the Haunebu flying saucer and the occult-inspired Die Glocke (the existence of both of these aircrafts is, of course, highly disputed).

Nazi UFO believers should get some credit, however - they at least did some research. They got their facts right on three crucial pieces of evidence, before losing control of the wheel and skidding off the track completely.

Firstly, yes, we know they claimed New Swabia in 1938 for the purpose of obtaining whale oil and potentially for imperial pursuits, as well.

And yeah, they researched advanced propulsion tech. They even created a prototype of a circular-winged aircraft that looks preeeeetty similar to your run-of-the-mill UFO.

They even get right that there were flurries of UFO sightings during the war by allied forces.

But as soon as 1950, outlandish claims emerged, mere years after Germany surrendered and the Allies claimed victory. But we need to start at the beginning.

The year is 1944.

The end of the war is just on the horizon. The Allies have liberated Western Europe from Nazi grip. But a new, surprising threat is in the soldiers line of sight, too.

It was a cold, November evening. Lt. Fred Ringwald was in a night fighter piloted by a fellow Lieutenant. As they soared above the Rhine valley, the two american soldiers spotted something in the hills of Strasbourg.

8 fiery, orange lights were staring back at them.

They were sure, as any fighter pilot in that situation, that this was enemy aircraft. And yet nothing showed up on the radar. As soon as they turned the plane to prepare to fight, the orange lights had disappeared.

Many would attribute such sightings to combat fatigue, St. Elmo’s Fire (weather phenomena during a storm where glowing plasma appears near masts) or the fact that pilots would have seen many aircrafts clogging across Europe's skies.

But soon, the sightings began to spread. And fast.

In December, a pilot saw “5 or 6 flashing red and green lights in ’T’ shape.” in the skies near Breisach, Germany. They followed him but quickly vanished.

Days later, two orange glowing lights were spotted by two more flight crews.

They rose from the earth to 10,000 feet before tailing the fighters for approx. 2 minutes. They then stopped following the allied planes and disappeared.

“They appear to be under perfect control at all times”

Keith Chester

These sightings would become so common, they’d be given a nickname:

Foo fighters.

Scientists would go on to investigate them, later decoding them as advanced German aircrafts and weaponry. As they were only spotted by allied forces, it was likely they were advancements such as the V-1 or V-2 rocket.

But after the war, UFO sightings continued to apparently connect the dots:

Project Sign, an official US UFO investigation team, linked the designs of the German Horten brothers to UFO reports. The head of the follow up investigation confirmed some of their findings:

“When WWII ended, the Germans had several radical types of aircraft and guided missiles under development. The majority were in the most preliminary stages, but they were the only known craft that could even approach the performance of objects reported by UFO observers.”

Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, 1959

It was only after the war that accounts from former officials of the Axis regimes appeared to support these claims.

The first newspaper report forging a connection between UFOs and the crushed Nazi regime was written by a former Italian Minister of National Economy under Mussolini’s regime:

"types of flying discs were designed and studied in Germany and Italy as early as 1942"

But this doesn’t suggest aliens airdropped a PDF of flying saucer designs. We know that flying saucer aircrafts can and have been created.

A similar account from a Czeh scientist spurred on another key element of this conspiracy theory.

Die Glocke.

December 9th 1965.

All is peaceful in the small town of Kecksberg, Pennsylvania. That’s about to change.

Six American citizens in Detroit, Michigan, Windsor and Ontario witnessed a fireball score across the sky. NASA later claimed that this was a meteorite or a Soviet satellite crashing back to Earth.

UFOlogists weren’t so sure.

Many claim they saw a large object the size of a VW Beetle spotted with strange symbols, like hieroglyphics, being carried out by a truck from the area cordoned off at the crash site.

UFOlogists believe they recovered The Bell, an occult-alien-hybrid spacecraft.

Apparently, such claims bear a similarity to the designs of an aircraft laid out in a Wehrmacht document about a vertical take-off craft. And then Rudolph Schirever, the man claiming he designed it during the war, gave a statement the same month something crashed to the earth.

He told Der Spiegel that he designed a craft powered by rotating turbine blades. He developed it until April 1945 at BMW in Prague before fleeing to the Czeh Republic, as it is now known. 3 years later, he claimed the designs were stolen.

He thinks Czeh agents nicked his ideas for a foreign power.

Could it have been for an underground society of failed Nazi war criminals stowed away in underground base in Antartica?

(That was a mouthful.)

Many have attached their own take to Die Glocke.

Some believe it was anti-gravitational, others claim it was a time-machine. Some claim a Nazi colonel handed it over to the US military to buy his freedom, and a few even allege that the US forces forced Nazi scientists to build Die Glocke and advance it’s anti-gravity technology.

This stuff is pretty out there.

Quite literally.

But the last bit does fit actual history: US forces did bring over Nazi scientists to advance their space technology.

Postwar Theories

When historians began to reflect on the war decades after it ended, new ideas banking on UFOs followed suit.

In the 1960s, one of these most infamous theories was put forward in the controversial book The Morning of the Magicians.

It made numerous claims about the mysterious and fictional Vril Society which was based on a novel about superhuman-angel-alien beings that lived inside the Earth. In 1935, a German engineer fled to the US spouting claims that the Nazis did indeed have a society dedicated to finding the Vril.

The Morning of the Magicians claimed the Vril Society was a precursor to the Nazi party amongst other ideas. They supposedly created flying disc prototypes and had a secret base on the moon.

Oh, and about that Antarctica underground base?

It’s so the Nazis can vanish into the Earth and meet that advanced race living down there.

Jumping onto this New Swabia bandwagon was Ernst Zündel.

This Holocaust denier (*stares into camera*) wrote many books throughout the 70s claiming flying saucers were secret weapons released from this base. He even claimed he would attempt to locate the base and reveal the Earth was crammed full of aliens this entire time!

In 2002, he let slip that it was a big ruse to bring in more cash for his publishing company.

At the end of the decade, Migeul Serrano gave it a go. He was a Nazi sympathiser and believed that Hitler was the avatar (a deity on earth) of a Hindu god. Apparently he was hanging out with the hyperborean gods (Greek gods that are stowed away at the North Pole) underground until he was ready to release UFOs and bring in the Fourth Reich.

The last, infamous proponent of this theory had physical, real-life consequences.

A year after Serrano made his claims, Richard Chase professed that Nazi UFOs had forced him to commit numerous brutal and bloody crimes under threat to his own life.

Chase is one of the most infamous serial killers in history, earning the title the Vampire of Sacramento due to his reputation for murder, rape, cannibalism and necrophilia. These claims can be traced back to his schizophrenia which prompted him to believe prison officials were poisoning his food as directed by Nazi UFOs.

***

I think sometimes it’s easier for us to frame the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime within the context of something the horror genre would spit out. We’d much rather spin tales of occult rituals and far-out entities than admit actual humans did what they did.

It’s no surprise that following the war, a surge in movies detailing alien invasion emerged. It fit the fears of impending doom from a foreign, fascist government, a reality for many nations during WW2.

What do you think is the craziest claim?

If you liked this blogpost, make sure you like and reblog it. And while you’re down there, hit follow to read something spooky every weekend!

[ahtohallan-calling]

chapter 17 of love is the only thing we can carry with us (kristanna slowburn/angsty but cute/no magic au, rated t) is up!

next chapter // all chapters

It was October before he could bring himself to open the door. He’d tended the garden almost every day. Anna had been right; the sunflowers were as tall as he was. He’d doubted that they would grow at all, at first, but she had known, somehow, or maybe made it happen through sheer stubbornness, the whole-hearted devotion she offered to everything she loved that made even the most impossible things grow.

“Look at you, baby,” he whispered, his fingers trembling as he brushed them over a golden petal. “Look what you can do.”

chapter 17: another two months

“Anna! Anna!”

Kristoff hadn’t moved since the carriage had pulled away. He could see it now in the  foothills, already halfway back to the city. He knew she was still watching, too, though she would have lost sight of him as soon as they’d turned into the forest.

Olaf came skidding up the path, stumbling over a loose stone. Kristoff caught him before he could fall, but the boy was out of his grasp and running down the path as soon as he was steady on his feet again. “Anna! I didn’t say goodbye!”

He let the boy go, watched him run a few more yards before he sat down on the grass and began to sob, pulling his knees up to his chest and hiding his face. Kristoff walked over then and scooped him up. He was nearly too big to be lifted that easily; he was about to turn eight, the same age Kristoff had been when he first met Anna, when he had seen her crying and knew he couldn’t bear to leave her alone.

“She’ll come back and visit, buddy,” he lied, carrying the child back home. “She’d miss you too much, otherwise.” 

Olaf accepted this without question, calming down enough to be set down and walk beside Kristoff the rest of the way back to his grandfather’s house. For a moment, Kristoff almost envied him; he was still young enough that, though he would miss his friend, over time she would fade from his memories into a fond but faint impression of a particularly memorable summer.

For him, it wouldn’t be so easy; he knew he would wake up every morning for a long, long time reaching across the bed, awaking from a dream and expecting to find her there. It was a price he was glad to pay. 

—

He knew, of course, that some people turned to drink in times like these. He bought a bottle of liquor and tried it himself one stormy night when he couldn’t sleep for fear that Anna might be out there somewhere caught in the rain.

It had eventually put him to sleep, but he’d still woken up with a blinding headache, his heart pounding as he’d jolted out of a dream about her being out there alone, caught in the wind and rain and unable to find her way back home. He’d take the sleepless nights over that in a heartbeat.

Kristoff forced down a glass of water and a hunk of bread; he’d heard his grandfather prescribe that same remedy more than once to the young people who had a little too much to drink after a festival and showed up at his door convinced they were dying. It helped enough that he was able to make his way out of his cabin and towards the hill, wincing in the bright September sunlight. 

He could hear her in the back of his mind all the way up the hill, could still see her worried blue eyes as she’d laid next to him, sharing a pillow, so close their noses brushed against each other.

“Kristoff?”

He was stroking her hair, memorizing the way the strands slipped like water through his fingers. “What is it?”

“Will you still take care of the sunflowers? Please?”

His heart broke for the thousandth time that day. “Of course, baby, you don’t even have to ask.”

“The first one bloomed this morning.” A tear ran down her cheek, glimmering in the moonlight. He brushed it away like he had the rest  and left his hand there on her cheek, cradling it. “I wish I could be here to see all the others.”

“I wish you could, too.”

He crested the hill and strode immediately behind the house. He’d seen the storm clouds rolling in last night and hurried over here as soon as he’d gathered what he needed. The tarp had held up pretty well, all things considered; only one of the stakes had been knocked out of place. Kristoff rushed over and yanked the canvas away, relief washing over him when he saw that the flowers were still okay underneath. Two more had bloomed, even in the middle of the storm. He took it as a good omen; he’d had far too few of those in recent days. 

—-

“Kristoff?”

“Yeah, Grandpapa?”

The old man shifted from one foot to the other, unusually reticent. “I know you’re still in the midst of the ice season, but I was wondering if you’d mind helping me out again on your off days, if that’s not a problem.”

“Of course not. Whatever you need.”

His grandfather took a deep breath. “The…cottage. It still needs a caretaker. Someone has to go and cover the furniture, finish boxing up anything that was left behind.”

Kristoff gripped the back of a chair to steady himself, hoping the motion was inconspicuous. “Okay.” 

“There’s no rush, really, take your time. You don’t have to go right away.”

He didn’t respond, still feeling suddenly off-balance. Grandpapa came over then, clasping his shoulder. “I…thought you might want to do it yourself. It helps, sometimes, to go back through the good memories. But if you don’t–”

Kristoff shook his head emphatically. “No. I’ll do it.”

His grandfather nodded in return, beginning to pull away, but then suddenly looked up at him again, sorrow in his eyes. “I’m sorry, you know, for what I said at the beginning. And I’m sorry that it ended this way. I thought perhaps there was a chance that…”

He trailed off, and Kristoff nodded, a numbness creeping over him now that the initial shock had worn off. “Me, too.”

—–

On clear days, when he was higher up the mountain, he could see all the way down to the castle. He let his mind wander some days when he was too exhausted to keep his thoughts in check, found himself wondering what this prince was like, if he loved her, if maybe someday Anna would grow to love him in return. Maybe she, at least, might get a happy ending after all.

He closed his eyes, letting himself remember her again, the way he’d teased her in the early days about her happy ever afters. Six cats, she’d insisted, and he’d asked her what will you name them all?

“I was thinking I’d name some of them after characters in my favorite books,” she’d said dreamily. “A Beatrice for sure, and a tabby named Jim Hawkins. And I always wanted a white one named Snowball.”

He’d looked over at her then; they were lying down on opposite sides of a blanket, up at their favorite little pond again. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this, haven’t you?”

She’d nodded, eyes sparkling as she met his gaze.

“What’s your prince going to be like, then?”

She didn’t look away from him, but something in her eyes changed. It made him feel suddenly unsteady, the way he did when he was at the peak of the mountain and looked down at the vast world below. “I’m not sure anymore,” she’d whispered, a little smile blooming on her face, and he’d had to fight to keep himself from pulling her to him right then.

He wished now that he had. Maybe if he’d loved her sooner, for longer, that would have changed things; maybe then it would have been enough for her to stay.

—-

It was October before he could bring himself to open the door. He’d tended the garden almost every day. Anna had been right; the sunflowers were as tall as he was. He’d doubted that they would grow at all, at first, but she had known, somehow, or maybe made it happen through sheer stubbornness, the whole-hearted devotion she offered to everything she loved that made even the most impossible things grow. 

“Look at you, baby,” he whispered, his fingers trembling as he brushed them over a golden petal. “Look what you can do.”

He drew his hand back, forcing himself to turn and go, to step over the threshold for the first time since the night it had all fallen to pieces. For one heart-stopping second, he thought he caught a whiff of tea brewing on the stove, thought he heard Anna’s little footsteps pattering above him, rushing down to greet him; then he blinked and was left with nothing but the dust.

The kitchen was first, wiping down the table and stove and covering them both over with white sheets, as gently as if they were shrouds. Next was the living room; the plaid blanket had been left thrown haphazardly over the arm of a chair, and he picked it up tenderly, folding it into a neat square before pressing his nose to it. Whether he was imagining it or not, he didn’t care; he could smell her in it, black tea and cinnamon filling his senses once more, like they had that last night together when she had fallen into his arms, dizzy with love and grief and leaning on him even as he was falling, too.

He set it down carefully on the sofa, like he was leaving it ready for the next time it rained and they spent the whole afternoon lying there, kissing and talking and kissing again, all tangled up in each other, and then he covered that over, too, covered everything downstairs until he turned around and could see no trace of her.

He headed upstairs, remembering the weight of her in his arms as he’d brought her up here to tuck her in. She’d left the bed unmade, as she always did, and he smoothed the blankets, straightened the sheets, fluffed the pillows, leaving it all ready, just in case. 

He opened the wardrobe to check for cobwebs and froze. The dress was still hanging there, the blue one she’d worn the night of the summer festival, just as delicate and beautiful as he’d remembered. 

Marieke had loaned her that one on purpose; she’d told Kristoff so, taken him aside the day before the festival. “You still have that blue vest, right?” she’d asked.

“Only one I’ve got,” he’d said, raising an eyebrow, and she’d left him with a wink.

He took the dress from its hanger, intending to fold it so he could carry it back with him, but the moment the soft fabric slid over his palm, he could feel her again, could feel the warmth of her waist against his hand as they’d danced, the way she’d held onto him with those little fingers, barely half the size of his; he remembered the sound of her voice as she’d asked him not to let go, not to leave her, the way she’d fallen asleep leaning against him, the way she’d trusted him so deeply, knowing he would always be there to see her safely home.

A sob wracked him then; he leaned against the wall, trying to find support, but his knees were too wobbly to stay upright, and he slid to the floor, still clutching the dress in his hands. He hadn’t let himself cry like this, determined to be strong for Anna even when she was gone. This sorrow, this grief that hollowed his bones, this was what he’d always tried to protect her from, even the first night they had met. You were crying, and you were scared, and you were alone. And I had to do something– that’s what he’d told her, and he hoped desperately that wherever she was she had forgotten about him, had moved on, that she wasn’t alone in this, too.

—

Olaf found him one day in the last week of October standing at the perimeter of the garden, fists clenched as he realized that it was futile. The sunflowers were heavy with seeds, drooping forward, most of their petals lost; he’d kept them alive as long as he could, but they were past saving now. 

The little boy, already wise beyond his years, had reached up, taken his hand. “They’ll be okay, Kris.”

“Thanks, buddy, but I think these ones are done.”

Olaf shook his head. “No, you don’t get it.”

He’d stepped forward, shaking one of the flowers until a few seeds fell into his palm, leaving the stem bent at a strange angle. Kristoff gritted his teeth, even as Olaf held up the palmful of seeds to him. “See?” he’d said, eyes shining.

“I see.”

The boy huffed in irritation. “No, you don’t. It’s what Anna taught me. She said she liked this kind of flower best because they always come back. They’re never really gone, you just take the seeds and then next year, you can plant even more. So it’s not goodbye, it’s see you again next summer.”

Kristoff held out his own palm, and Olaf tilted his hand, letting the seeds fall into it. “Maybe we can plant them with Anna if she comes to visit in the spring again,” he said, hopeful, and Kristoff nodded, the sudden lump in his throat making it hard to speak.

Olaf wiped his hands on his pants and pulled out an envelope from his pocket. “Anyway, I came up here to bring you this. The mailman brought it to Grandpapa’s house by mistake.”

Kristoff took the letter, flipping it over. The royal seal of Arendelle was stamped on the back. Hardly daring to believe it, he tore the envelope open and pulled the enclosed card out.

He ran his finger around the gilded edges, nausea rising in him as he read the text, over and over. It was an invitation, on behalf of the kingdoms of Arendelle and the Southern Isles, to a ball, celebrating the upcoming wedding of Princess Anna and Prince Hans. What kind of cruel joke was this? He started to crumple it in his fist, but Olaf cried out, reaching up to stop his hand.

“Don’t!” the boy exclaimed. “There’s something on the back.”

Kristoff turned it over, eyes widening as he read the hastily written message, done in a spidery hand. “Olaf– come with me. I’ll drop you off before I go,” he said, already running towards the stable and Sven.

“Where are you going?” the boy called after him, giving chase.

“To Arendelle!”

[nasa]

What's That Space Rock?

The path through the solar system is a rocky road. Asteroids, comets, Kuiper Belt Objects—all kinds of small bodies of rock, metal and ice are in constant motion as they orbit the Sun. But what’s the difference between them, anyway? And why do these miniature worlds fascinate space explorers so much? The answer is profound: they may hold the keys to better understanding where we all come from. Here’s 10 things to know about the solar system this week:

This picture of Eros, the first of an asteroid taken from an orbiting spacecraft, came from our NEAR mission in February 2000. Image credit: NASA/JPL

1. Asteroids

Asteroids are rocky, airless worlds that orbit our Sun. They are remnants left over from the formation of our solar system, ranging in size from the length of a car to about as wide as a large city. Asteroids are diverse in composition; some are metallic while others are rich in carbon, giving them a coal-black color. They can be “rubble piles,” loosely held together by their own gravity, or they can be solid rocks.

Most of the asteroids in our solar system reside in a region called the main asteroid belt. This vast, doughnut-shaped ring between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter contains hundreds of thousands of asteroids, maybe millions. But despite what you see in the movies, there is still a great deal of space between each asteroid. With all due respect to C3PO, the odds of flying through the asteroid belt without colliding with one are actually pretty good.

Other asteroids (and comets) follow different orbits, including some that enter Earth’s neighborhood. These are called near-Earth objects, or NEOs. We can actually keep track of the ones we have discovered and predict where they are headed. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) and Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) do that very thing. Telescopes around the world and in space are used to spot new asteroids and comets, and the MPC and CNEOS, along with international colleagues, calculate where those asteroids and comets are going and determine whether they might pose any impact threat to Earth.

For scientists, asteroids play the role of time capsules from the early solar system, having been preserved in the vacuum of space for billions of years. What’s more, the main asteroid belt may have been a source of water—and organic compounds critical to life—for the inner planets like Earth.

The nucleus of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as seen in January 2015 by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft. Image credit: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM – CC BY-SA IGO 3.0

2. Comets

Comets also orbit the Sun, but they are more like snowballs than space rocks. Each comet has a center called a nucleus that contains icy chunks of frozen gases, along with bits of rock and dust. When a comet’s orbit brings it close to the Sun, the comet heats up and spews dust and gases, forming a giant, glowing ball called a coma around its nucleus, along with two tails – one made of dust and the other of excited gas (ions). Driven by a constant flow of particles from the Sun called the solar wind, the tails point away from the Sun, sometimes stretching for millions of miles.

While there are likely billions of comets in the solar system, the current confirmed number is 3,535. Like asteroids, comets are leftover material from the formation of our solar system around 4.6 billion years ago, and they preserve secrets from the earliest days of the Sun’s family. Some of Earth’s water and other chemical constituents could have been delivered by comet impacts.

An artist re-creation of a collision in deep space. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

3. Meteoroids

Meteoroids are fragments and debris in space resulting from collisions among asteroids, comets, moons and planets. They are among the smallest “space rocks.” However, we can actually see them when they streak through our atmosphere in the form of meteors and meteor showers.

This photograph, taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, provides the unusual perspective of looking down on a meteor as it passes through the atmosphere. The image was taken on Aug. 13, 2011, during the Perseid meteor shower that occurs every August. Image credit: NASA

4. Meteors

Meteors are meteoroids that fall through Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds. The pressure and heat they generate as they push through the air causes them to glow and create a streak of light in the sky. Most burn up completely before touching the ground. We often refer to them as “shooting stars.” Meteors may be made mostly of rock, metal or a combination of the two.

Scientists estimate that about 48.5 tons (44,000 kilograms) of meteoritic material falls on Earth each day.

The constellation Orion is framed by two meteors during the Perseid shower on Aug. 12, 2018 in Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah. Image credit: NASA/Bill Dunford

5. Meteor Showers

Several meteors per hour can usually be seen on any given night. Sometimes the number increases dramatically—these events are termed meteor showers. They occur when Earth passes through trails of particles left by comets. When the particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, creating hundreds or even thousands of bright streaks in the sky. We can easily plan when to watch meteor showers because numerous showers happen annually as Earth’s orbit takes it through the same patches of comet debris. This year’s Orionid meteor shower peaks on Oct. 21.

An SUV-sized asteroid, 2008TC#, impacted on Oct. 7, 2008, in the Nubian Desert, Northern Sudan. Dr. Peter Jenniskens, NASA/SETI, joined Muawia Shaddas of the University of Khartoum in leading an expedition on a search for samples. Image credit: NASA/SETI/P. Jenniskens

6. Meteorites

Meteorites are asteroid, comet, moon and planet fragments (meteoroids) that survive the heated journey through Earth’s atmosphere all the way to the ground. Most meteorites found on Earth are pebble to fist size, but some are larger than a building.

Early Earth experienced many large meteorite impacts that caused extensive destruction. Well-documented stories of modern meteorite-caused injury or death are rare. In the first known case of an extraterrestrial object to have injured a human being in the U.S., Ann Hodges of Sylacauga, Alabama, was severely bruised by a 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) stony meteorite that crashed through her roof in November 1954.

The largest object in the asteroid belt is actually a dwarf planet, Ceres. This view comes from our Dawn mission. The color is approximately as it would appear to the eye. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA

7. Dwarf Planets

Don’t let the name fool you; despite their small size, dwarf planets are worlds that are just as compelling as their larger siblings. Dwarf planets are defined by astronomers as bodies massive enough to be shaped by gravity into a round or nearly round shape, but they don’t have enough of their own gravitational muscle to clear their path of other objects as they orbit the Sun. In our solar system, dwarf planets are mostly found in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune; Pluto is the best-known example. But the largest object in the asteroid belt is the dwarf planet Ceres. Like Pluto, Ceres shows signs of active geology, including ice volcanoes.

8. Kuiper Belt Objects

The Kuiper Belt is a disc-shaped region beyond Neptune that extends from about 30 to 55 astronomical units -- that is, 30 to 55 times the distance from the Earth to the Sun. There may be hundreds of thousands of icy bodies and a trillion or more comets in this distant region of our solar system.

An artist's rendition of the New Horizons spacecraft passing by the Kuiper Belt Object MU69 in January 2019. Image credits: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI

Besides Pluto, some of the mysterious worlds of the Kuiper Belt include Eris, Sedna, Quaoar, Makemake and Haumea. Like asteroids and comets, Kuiper Belt objects are time capsules, perhaps kept even more pristine in their icy realm.

This chart puts solar system distances in perspective. The scale bar is in astronomical units (AU), with each set distance beyond 1 AU representing 10 times the previous distance. One AU is the distance from the Sun to the Earth, which is about 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers. Neptune, the most distant planet from the Sun, is about 30 AU. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

9. Oort Cloud Objects

The Oort Cloud is a group of icy bodies beginning roughly 186 billion miles (300 billion kilometers) away from the Sun. While the planets of our solar system orbit in a flat plane, the Oort Cloud is believed to be a giant spherical shell surrounding the Sun, planets and Kuiper Belt Objects. It is like a big, thick bubble around our solar system. The Oort Cloud’s icy bodies can be as large as mountains, and sometimes larger.

This dark, cold expanse is by far the solar system’s largest and most distant region. It extends all the way to about 100,000 AU (100,000 times the distance between Earth and the Sun) – a good portion of the way to the next star system. Comets from the Oort Cloud can have orbital periods of thousands or even millions of years. Consider this: At its current speed of about a million miles a day, our Voyager 1 spacecraft won’t reach the Oort Cloud for more than 300 years. It will then take about 30,000 years for the spacecraft to traverse the Oort Cloud, and exit our solar system entirely.

This animation shows our OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collecting a sample of the asteroid Bennu, which it is expected to do in 2020. Image credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

10. The Explorers

Fortunately, even though the Oort Cloud is extremely distant, most of the small bodies we’ve been discussing are more within reach. In fact, NASA and other space agencies have a whole flotilla of robotic spacecraft that are exploring these small worlds up close. Our mechanical emissaries act as our eyes and hands in deep space, searching for whatever clues these time capsules hold.

A partial roster of our current or recent missions to small, rocky destinations includes:

OSIRIS-REx – Now approaching the asteroid Bennu, where it will retrieve a sample in 2020 and return it to the Earth for close scrutiny.

New Horizons – Set to fly close to MU69 or “Ultima Thule,” an object a billion miles past Pluto in the Kuiper Belt on Jan. 1, 2019. When it does, MU69 will become the most distant object humans have ever seen up close.

Psyche – Planned for launch in 2022, the spacecraft will explore a metallic asteroid of the same name, which may be the ejected core of a baby planet that was destroyed long ago.

Lucy – Slated to investigate two separate groups of asteroids, called Trojans, that share the orbit of Jupiter – one group orbits ahead of the planet, while the other orbits behind. Lucy is planned to launch in 2021.

Dawn – Finishing up a successful seven-year mission orbiting planet-like worlds Ceres and Vesta in the asteroid belt.

Plus these missions from other space agencies:

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Hayabusa2– Just landed a series of small probes on the surface of the asteroid Ryugu.

The European Space Agency (ESA)’s Rosetta – Orbited the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and dispatched a lander to its surface.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com.

[sarinataylor]

I love all your Joger headcanons (Roger remembering birthdays and anniversaries and John making doctors’ appointments, you are reading my mind!!! Please fic or minific!!!) Now definitely headcanoning Roger and John dealing with touring frustrations by going off on their own to look at the World Pencil Museum or Birthplace of The Man Who Invented The Top Hat and coming back all happy and giggly and solemnly presenting Freddie & Brian & all the crew with pencils or top hat brooches as souvenirs

“I’m fine,” said Roger from the sofa, despite the multiple blankets he had draped over himself. He looked like a strange elf, all pointy chin and pale skin, peaking out from under a mountain of barely strung together wool. “It’s a cold.”

John squinted at him, the phone clutched in his hand as he stood by the wall where it was wired.

“I’m fine,” Roger repeated, only slightly undermined by the scratchy quality that overtook his usual soft tone midway through his declaration.

“Hello? Hello? This is Northway Medical Centre, Janice speaking,” came the voice from the speaker John had held to his ear.

Roger widened his eyes, a clear attempt to appear more trustworthy.

“Hello,” said John into the telephone, shaking his head at Roger who slumped further into his blanket fortress. “I would like to make an appointment?”

“Oh!” the lady, Janice, said. “Certainly. Are you an existing patient?”

“Yes,” replied John, ignoring Roger as he groaned dramatically and flopped fully into a horizontal position on the sofa. He coughed, attempting pitifully to hide the sound in his numerous blankets - all of which had been donated by Freddie during his short lived crochet phase. “It’s for a Roger Taylor?”

“Hmm,” said Janice, and the faint sound of a filing cabinet being opened and flipped through came across the receiver. “T, T, Taylor! Roger M?”

“That’s him,” said John, watching impassively as Roger drew the blankets over his face. “As soon as possible would be best. He’s had a low grade fever for a few days, and he’s had a cough for about a week or so.”

“We have an availability tomorrow morning at 11,” Janice said, sounding distracted. “Can I just confirm that you’re a family member?”

“Yes,” said John, with a roll of his eyes and an impatient tap of his foot. “I’m his Uncle Frederick.”

An unattractive snort, followed by another bout of horribly deep sounding coughs, emanated from under the blankets on the sofa. Roger’s head poked out from under a particularly large and ungainly hole as he mouthed, “Uncle Frederick?”

“Roger’s all booked in for tomorrow at 11, Frederick,” said Janice, sounding inappropriately happy for someone who most likely spent the vast majority of their time talking to the miserably ill population of the world. “We’ll see young Roger then!”

“Thank you, Janice,” John replied drily, one eyebrow raised as Roger devolved into peals of painful sounding laughter. “Young Roger will see you then.”

“Why,” said Roger breathily, too-long fringe stuck to his brow sweatily. “Uncle Frederick!”

“You’re such a prick,” said John, hanging up the phone to the sound of Janice’s slightly shocked inhalation and making his way over. “If you’d just made the bloody appointment like you said you had last week-”

“The line was busy!” Roger protested, lifting his legs for John to settle down on the sofa. “I couldn’t get through!”

“And you were so busy,” John muttered, settling Roger’s legs back down on his lap. He smoothed the blankets so they covered Roger’s feet again — Roger couldn’t stand having his feet out in the cold air when he was sleeping, and when he was sick he wasn’t all that much better. Not at all better, in fact, just louder.

“I was!” Roger insisted, prodding at his thigh with his sock-clad toes even as he sunk even further into their ridiculously soft sofa. Roger had found it in some junk antique store with Freddie, beaten him to the punch with what John had heard was a particularly vicious round of Rock, Paper, Scissors, and hauled it home with the help of two auspiciously kind gentlemen who had been none too happy to be sent off packing with little more than a cup of tea for their work.

“Really,” sighed John, even as he began rubbing Roger’s feet. He liked to pretend he was above all of Roger’s little attention-seeking tricks but at the end of the day he knew the only thing that sent him apart from all the other sad, soppy eyed buggers was that Roger fell for his tricks too. “And what were you so busy with while I was at my mum’s, then?”

“Well,” said Roger, preening like a cat even as his skin glistened with the sickly sheen of feverish discomfort. “I’m sure you forgot, but it was the adoption date of Oscar and Tiffany last week.”

John froze.

“Oh?” he said, trepidously.

Just six months ago on an inauspicious Sunday afternoon he, Roger, and Brian had had a huge blow up fight over the drumline of a song they’d— as it turned out — ended up scrapping. This was, of course, prior to his and Roger’s moving in together which had allowed the entire affair to blow completely out of proportion. Instead of coming home to a bowl of peanuts — their shells all decorated with doodles of Brian’s ridiculous curls — which would allow his anger to stream out of him as if it had hardly ever been there, or arriving home first to quickly whip up an impromptu sci-fi marathon in the living room which would have Roger smiling softly at him in the early hours of the morning — instead of any of that, they had gone home to their respective flats and they had stewed.

Which.

Look, okay, Roger and John? They worked. God knew how, Freddie and Brian certainly couldn’t understand it — but they did. The perfect mix of passion and patience; stubbornness and compromise; heat and icy cold. The problem was, of course: embers remain and leave you with blistered fingertips; ice will leave you with raised welts.

And, well. they’d gone home and they’d stewed and. It had been Tom’s adoption day on the Thursday.

John? He was good with bills. He was great with waking up and remembering that oh, yes, he was due for a vaccination. However, birthdays and anniversaries? It was as if he had a sieve for a brain. Back when he had dated, however briefly, women it had been something easily blamed on being male. Men didn’t remember these things, they weren’t important. Brian, he knew, agreed.

Roger did not.

Roger couldn’t remember to pick up sugar on his way back from his classes. Hell, Roger couldn’t remember to pick up sugar when that was specifically what he had been sent out to buy (Shrove Tuesday’s pancakes had been dusted with shebert instead of sugar and lemon. It had worked oddly well). What Roger could remember, however? Birthday’s, anniversaries - anniversaries of things that weren’t worth celebrating, even. Their first date? John got a card. The first time they’d fucked in the first bathroom stall of the pub around the corner? A supreme pizza. A month of dating? A chocolate bar. The first time they’d fucked in the second bathroom stall of the pub around the corner? A supreme pizza with extra sausage.

Frankly, John was bloody grateful that Brian’s birthday was just before Roger’s. It left him with just enough time to prepare when he inevitably forgot.

But. This one time. They had gone back to their flats and they had stewed.

Freddie was off doing god knows what, Brian had ridiculously intelligent things to do (which they couldn’t possibly understand), and John sat in his flat and he determinedly did not call. And neither did Roger.

Instead, Roger had sent a card for Tom’s adoption birthday. And, he hadn’t called Brian to remind him. He hadn’t called John to remind him; hadn’t signed the card from John also, as he had gotten in the habit of over the past few months. No, Roger had sent a card. Had sent a card just from him.

And all had been calm. All had been fine. Until Freddie got home from his… whatever the hell it was Freddie did when they weren’t around, and realised that no-one other than Roger had remembered Tom’s adoption birthday.

“Yeah,” said Roger, toes digging ever deeper into John’s thigh. “Both of them. One day apart.”

“Hmm,” said John, running a hand over Roger’s ankle. “I suppose you were quite busy.”

[ablebabevintage]

  A delicious hidden gem in Western Colorado; where culture, culinary and the vast beauty of the Mountain/ Desert landscape brings an abundance of vineyards and farms, that both delight the senses and heart..

  Hanging Lake: Glenwood springs, Colorado. Peaks of majestic forest green reflects into turquoise hidden waters.

Now let’s start off with the best of the best. Well to me anyway. I’ll let you decide what part of this journey into my home town you like the best.

I’ve lived here half of my life, a Wyoming native who’s academic interests that brought me to the Grand valley. With this, I instantly fell in love with Colorado and especially this neck of the woods..or umm let’s say high desert hidden on the Western slope of the Majestic Rocky mountains. With an abundance of vast diverse scenery and trails, I found a new love, Hiking, And I’ll tell you the hiking around here is amazing! But that doesn’t touch on this gem hidden valley. We’ve made the map when it comes to our Peaches, Wine, and now Lavender! I’ll feature my favorite local restaurants and must taste items, off their menus!

With mild year round climate, culinary culture, and art that draws people from around the World, you’ll see why I’ve decided to make my home town a must share on my blog destination!

Palisade, Co. Peaches

Cherry blossoms in Colorado

From bare branches to tiny blossoms with a finish of sweet nectar and fruit. Without the Farmer, without the Bee or this harsh high desert sun to soak up the rolling waters off the Rocky Mountains, we wouldn’t get to enjoy in the bounty this Valley brings.

  I often set, or drive, or walk and explore and wonder how did I get so lucky to become a part of this community? A self-proclaimed artist finding oneself in such an artists nook. A girl from Wyoming, whose love for exploration became somehow more fulfilling just living here. And a culture of community diverse enough to accept my odd love for belly dance, nature, organics and farm to table food!  

With that said, I think the first stop on our Western Colorado tour, we’ll travel down country roads to the quaint little vineyards and farms of Palisade Colorado.

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Sprigs & Sprouts   Lavender Farm and Farmers Market

hwy 6, 3669 G road. Palisade, Colorado 81526.  – for tasting room appointment call 970-234-1261 10 am-5pm.

Upon passing their Lavender field many times on our way to Palisade, my sister-in-law convinced the guys to stop. This is a place we both talked about going together but soon realized we had no idea what a lovely little farmers market this was. With a sumptuous culinary taste test embodied with a bouquet of scents and flavors awaiting our arrival.

In good spirits, we hopped out of the mini van into their gravel parking lot adjacent to a field of lavender and large green houses filled with lavender. Excited to be there we all quickly B lined into the market through a pale lavender french door, slightly glancing at the plants of the delicately scented blossoms for sale on the cement porch.

The pungent spicy sweet scent of Lavender filled the air as I entered to a vast array of different local artisan products; candles, culinary, bath and body, organics and more filled the first room. A dazzling painting of the vineyards and Mount Garfield drew my eye to the next room, where prints and more culinary items could be purchased. A comfortable feeling of being in a welcoming familiar place came over me. As we started to peruse the different items and take in the scents and all-inclusive specialty foods, I happened by a taste room. Now this is where this little stop on the country road got unforgettable, prolonged, unplanned, yet savourful! Not a very old place I had no idea this small spot on the map, held a taste of Tuscany, Argentina, Spain and the wilds of Western Colorado all wrapped up into one tiny Lavender farm, on the edges of the farming town of Palisade.

An hour or more of taste testing ensued by a knowledgeable and extremely courteous brunette. The shelves of the tiny taste room filled with dark olive-green bottles gleaming with Gold labels, for Olive oil and Silver for Balsamic vinaigrette. Equipped with gloved hands and french bread, then ending with a drizzle of blends of both oil and vinaigrette on ice cream, we were all delighted, amazed, and simply in love with the display and show of the vast flavours presented. Who knew?!?! flavored vinaigrette and olive oil on vanilla ice cream made it all that much creamier? and perfectly mimicked the flavor of an ice cream syrup, rich with sweetness and sapor.

Spending a lot more time than intended, and yes probably more money than planned, we left with a new must go to market for our future recipes, a small cup of lavender lemon ice cream to share and a couple of brown bags full of the flavorful oil, vinaigrette, and other must have, must try; like their lavender infused, savorous seven dust seasoning, which I’ve found quite pleasing on everything I’ve put it on!

Sprigs & Sprouts   Lavender Farm and Farmers Market #1 on my guide to Western Colorado!

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Go stomp the Grapes!

 Grape-stomping (also known as pigeage) is part of method of maceration; a process in winemaking in which grapes are crushed in vats, leaving the skins in the juice until they have imparted the desired color or the proper amount of tannins and aroma.

One of the earliest visual representations of the practice is a Roman vintage festival that appears on a Roman Empire sarcophagus from the 3rd century CE, which depicts an idealized country scene with a group of Erotes- winged God’s, harvesting and stomping grapes at Vindemia.  

Take in this ancient tradition! Free your schedule, your feet and your palette. Pack your bags, and head to Colorado Mountain Wine festival!

Voted the best in the Nation, Colorado Mountain Winefest,. Founded in 1992.  

A four-day celebration of wine, during harvest in Palisade Colorado wine country. The Festival centers in the Park, taking place on the third Saturday in September. Much more intimate and feature events like Wine Country Bus Tours, chocolate & wine tasting, wine & painting, among others take place during the four-day Festival.

The lazy little farming town of Palisade is set on the edge of the Mountains, Mesa and barren bookcliffs, with a peak named Mt. Garfield. Orchards, vineyards and farms span the distance as far as the eye can see. A handsome little town, with old brightly painted houses lined with trees. Idealistic, yet brimming with character, Palisade features plenty to do. A favorite pastime is bicycling around to one or all of the many attractions; wineries, distilleries, dispensaries or hit the Farmers Market for sweet fresh produce, and local artisan foods and gifts, every Sunday, June 10th to Sept. 16th, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Bring in the Peaches!

The high desert brings almost 300 days of sunshine a year to this part of the centennial state. With the sun we get a bountiful harvest of fresh farm to table food, at local farmers markets throughout the Valley.

The summer season ushers in a buzz of talk over the local celebrity, the Peach!

Craving my first taste of the seasons honeyed, mouth-watering peach on the 4th of July, my family and I decided to take our Cousin and her husband, who were visiting the Valley, out to Palisade to experience the local vibe, the abundance of fruit, veggies,  local artisan food, drink…and of course the Peaches!

The energy  in Palisade brings excitement, wonder and beauty, as far as the eye can see, with the peaks of an ancient Volcano; The Mesa, Mt. Garfield, and unbounded orchards and farms nestled below. A lush green landscape with old farm houses and estates lined up in rows and scattered throughout the hills of Palisade, and neighboring, East Orchard Mesa.

Taking a drive on the twisting roads, through the ambrosial orchards and farms, bearing the succulent fruit, can be quite whimsical.

Just passed the bridge, over the Colorado river in Palisade is a local favorite; Clark Orchards. 

Clark Orchards has been growing the famous Palisade peaches for over a 100 years! They  produce their own jams, sauces and other culinary treats.

3929 US Hwy 6, Palisade, CO 81526

Clark Orchards is tucked beneath the Mesa, well-organized and maintained, the rustic fruit stand has a long boardwalk entry, aligned with boxes of freshly picked peaches and whiskey barrels filled with a colorful arrangement of desert blooms. As I approached the open barn wood red  building, the antique bright green John Deere tractor, and various other aged farming equipment blended in perfectly with the scenery, the orchard and the Mesa. 

The view so engrossing, I decide to take it all in, before entering the fruit stand to greet a member of the Clark family standing behind the register. A lovely older lady, with long gray hair pulled back, rosy cheeks and a warm disposition.

“I’m surprised, but happy you’re open on the 4th” 

“Oohhh when there’s Peach’s, we’re open!” she smiled

After chatting with her for a few minutes, I looked around. Shelves of hand-made, bottled, culinary condiments and sauces, all complete by the grower, filled the space with other fresh produce. A simple sign that said “cobblers” hung on the wall. Everything lined up, the organization and cleanliness echoed from the outside. The hard work of these farmers grabbed me. Their sacrifice tangible, more so on this Patriotic holiday, a day of rest, for most..

I decided to join a few of my family members out on the boardwalk porch, where the tasting table was set with freshly sliced peaches, sweet cherries, popcorn, tortilla chips, and an assortment of dips and sauces.

Ah.. the first taste of the seasons peach! Accompanied by the fresh cherries, sweet and tangy. A perfect companion to the savory and sweet dipping sauces set out. With little reserve, I tasted them all in order. Peach salsa, a tried and true favorite, with bright sharp tangy peach, in a thick salsa. Monterey jack con queso dip- the spanish girl in me relishes this creamy, cheesy, spicy dip! A zesty mango lime salsa, the union of citrus and cool creamy mango, was one of my favorite new finds! Tangy Raspberry vinaigrette dressing. A spirited, Five amigos roasted red pepper salsa, with piquant layers of peppers in a thick sauce. The tangy smooth cherry butter, was a perfect ending to this intriguing display of samples. My interests in these local culinary crafters deepens. Not only do I have much respect for these farmers, any the multifarious foods they bring to our table, I’m excited to discover more of the fine local fares, they create!

With dips, peaches and produce for the 4th of July dinner, we set off to discover more food and get a better ‘taste’, of Palisade!

After a quick stop at a lovely little fruit stand with a lot of country charm- Balls fruit.

3806 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

I wandered around the shabby whitewashed decor outside , taking photos. The appeal of this little fruit stand isn’t lost! I felt a longing to curl up with a good book, freshly sliced fruit from the orchard, and a cold drink, beneath the tree behind the castaway fishing boat, with pale blue chipped paint.  Hmmm.. yet another wistful thought to make this little town, right up the road, an opportune escape..

Before heading home to prepare our holiday meal my daughter suggested one last stop. Herman produce. A bold old west design on a brightly colored peach fruit stand. Herman’s took my love of jalapeno to a different level. The candied sweet, pickled jalapeno, is perfect, I found here, in cream cheese with chives. The dish was surrounded by travelers and people seeking fresh goodies alike, getting gobbled down on pretzels. Sugary, creamy, with a slight fiery bite. A definite dip on my future recipe list.

I did skip on buying the sweet pickled jalapeno, to give a try on making my own at home, that are Keto friendly.

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  This wraps up the first part of my guide to Western Colorado. I’ll go into hikes, lodging, other local attractions and things to do, on your next vacation, in my future blog posts!

Please feel free to leave comments or send me a message.

Cia for now! Mia

                        Where the desert meets the Mountains: A guide to Western Colorado A delicious hidden gem in Western Colorado; where culture, culinary and the vast beauty of t…

[snowmadien]

The Dragon and His Fairy

Summary: He was the feared Iron dragon who lived alone in his vast kingdom, however when he finds an injured fairy his whole world is thrown into a spin.

Rated T (This might change)

Chapter 7

A/N Super sorry for the long wait on this chapter but here it is! Speical thanks once again to @spikerr for being my amazing beta!

Lily stared in awe at the great Wind Kingdom of the West. After being in a land void of any life, it was incredible to see the vast number of people concentrated in a small area. Many of the buildings were carved from the white and dark blue stones that scattered the area others were formed from the rich red clay that lined the river. As he went through the beautiful city, he stopped to admire some of the various shops and merchant stands that lined the sides of the street. He made a mental note that he would stop by some of them to pick up various items. As he made his way towards the castle, he was stopped by two armed guards.

“Halt! Who wishes to enter the Wind Castle?” A guard barked out. Lily didn’t say a word as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white stone with the Wind Dragon Sigil on it. It was given to him by the dragon who lived in the castle, allowing him the unique privilege to enter the kingdom when ever he wished without being stopped or asked questions.

“Excuse us. We didn’t know that you were a friend of the Queen, please go right in.” The guards immediately dropped their spears and allowed for Lily to pass through. He noticed that there were double the guards than before when he came in the spring for a visit. The inside of the castle was magnificent, large banners hung from the ceiling while various tapestries and large paintings hung from the walls. Everything was made from the different white stones the surrounded the land from the high ceiling to the floor.  He felt small in comparison to the massive architecture when he remembered that it wasn’t only for looks, it was for the dragon who lived here as well.

When he opened the door to the throne room, he wasn’t greeted by the usual white dragon, rather by a young blue haired maiden who was sitting on the throne still a bit too large for her. She was speaking to her exceed/consultant, Carla. The young girl looked to see who was entering and her face went from serious to joy.

“Lily!” She squealed with excitement. She leaped off the throne and ran to hug the smiling exceed. Similar to Gajeel when he was in human form, the young girl had white scales dotting her body and two elegant horns sprouting from her blue hair.

“Queen Marvel,” he hugged back tightly, he was quite fond of the Sky Maiden.

“My word, this is an unexpected visit from you Lily,” Carol smiled, thankful it wasn’t the annoying blue tom cat from the Southern dragon kingdom.

“Lady Carla,” he bowed, earning a snicker from Wendy and Carla rolling her eyes.

“Is Gajeel with you?” Wendy asked. It had been a few years since she had seen Gajeel, and the last time they had met they were at the Dragon King Festival in fire kingdom.

“No your grace, he isn’t. He is currently preoccupied with a fairy.” He explained, Earning a curious look from Wendy.

“What on earth is a fairy doing that far north?” Carla exclaimed.

“Hunters, she somehow managed to transport herself from the southern Fairy Kingdom to ours.” He said as the trio made their way to a more secluded part of the castle. He explained to them all what had happened and why he was here.

“The Wind Roses are just beginning to bloom, so please take as much as you need to help her,” Wendy said, smiling but then frowned when she realized something.

“Lily, how are you going to get back to the North? Wouldn’t the passageway be frozen over by then?”

“Well, I was planning on asking if either one of you know of a skilled mage that could teleport someone?”

Both Exceed and girl shook their heads. “There has been some trouble here in the kingdom; mages are being attacked and kidnapped just about every night. Many people claim that this could be the Kingdom of Grimm trying to gain more wizards to force them to fight for them. This has lead to many mages leaving the country or going into hiding altogether. Wendy has increased security and create sanctuaries for them, but it hasn’t stopped the attacks.” Carla explained.

Lily felt a pit form in the bottom of his stomach; it would be another five months before the cave thawed out enough for the ice to thaw. He’d have to find a way home, and the sooner, the better.

“But you are more than welcome to stay to wait out the winter Lily,” Wendy offered, smiling sadly up at her friend.

“Thank you, I would like to rest, it’s been a long flight from the north,” He asked, feeling the toll of several non-stop days worth of traveling finally catch up to him.

“Sure, your personal room is always open to you.” Carla smiled. Lily bided the two a farewell and made his way to his room

Meredy used one hand to pull the scarf around her neck tighter as she used lacrima infused binoculars to scan the frozen iron forest. She and Ultear were currently tasked with scouting the never ending forest for the elusive iron dragon and the royal fairy. Both were wearing warm white and silver camouflaging clothing charmed to mimic the scent of the forest to prevent the dragon from finding them.

“It’s been three days since he was last spotted near the edge of his kingdom,” Ultear reported to a communication lacrima, “As for the Fairy, we’ve assumed that she is being kept in his cave.”

“Keep looking! Once you’ve located his cave, then finding that fairy will be nothing for you two.” Master Hades ordered.

During those three days, the snow began to cover more and more of the land, creeping further and further down into the canyons below. Soon there wasn’t a single tree that wasn’t pure silver anymore and the ground no longer moss green and wheat gold.

“Yes, my lord,” Ultear nodded and turned off the communication lacrima. She had never ventured into the mythical Iron kingdom before, and the legends and stories about the land were nothing short of accurate. The winds felt as though it could tear them in half, and the cold even snuffed out the pathetic fire they had once tried to create. The Grimm Kingdom had their fair share of cold winters, but they now felt more appealing than being here.

Night slowly began to fall, and the winds and clouds began to vanish leaving nothing but the freezing cold. As night came the sky burst into beautiful colors, dancing and weaving their way across the heavens.

“You know for a place this cold and desolate it can be quite beautiful,” Meredy smiled as Ultear fished out some food from their backpacks. For the first time in three days, they had been able to clearly see most of the valley from their high mountain perch. As Meredy looked across the valley she noticed something different from one of the mountains, there was a dim light coming from the entrance of the cave, and something large was blocking most of the light escaping from it.

“Ultear, look at that mountain over there!” She pointed, “Do you think-?”

Ultear rushed and grabbed her binoculars from the backpack.

“We found it,” She whispered. Lying out in the front of the cave was the Iron dragon king himself. He seemed to be speaking to someone, but she couldn’t see who it was until she zoomed in a bit more. Nestled between the dragon’s front legs was the tiny fairy holding a cup of something warm. She was covered head to toe in warm clothing and was smothered with heavy furs and blankets. The iron dragon dipped his nose down and nuzzled the fairy gently, and she smiled before planting a kiss on his nose. He said something to her that made her face turn cherry red.

“Now that is interesting.” She muttered, from what she saw was that there appeared to be a deep connection between the two.

“What do you see?” Meredy asked she was getting both excited and impatient with what her mentor was seeing.

“We will need everyone here to pry her out that dragon’s claws,” She explained. Just before she put the binoculars down, she saw the dragon change into a puff of smoke, and when it vanished the fairy was wrapped up in the arms of a man, kissing him passionately. Ultear nearly dropped her binoculars from the shock.

“Ultear what’s wrong what do you see?” Meredy asked as she saw Ultear’s face turn from joy into thunderstruck.

“Not only can he turn human, but they are in love,” She whispered darkly, “This is going to be much easier than I could imagine.” Never in her life did she ever think that dragons could turn human, even if they still retained some dragon features. Yet without being fully covered in scales to block most attacks, they were left mostly defenseless.

“Mark the cave on the map and get the transportation lacrima ready. The King will need to know about this immediately.”

“You Majesty wait! We need to discuss the arranged marriage between Princess Levy and-” Queen Elizabeth spun on her heels to face her consort Doranbolt, who nearly ran into his Queen. He could feel the anger oozing from her as she dared him to challenge her authority

“There will be no talk of this wedding until my daughter is home! Is that clear?” She shouted.

“Your Majesty please-” He begged.

“No! I am going out, you will be heading the meeting with Lady Lockster and Lady Balsherion this morning, and do not utter a word that I am gone is that clear?” She snapped at him. Doranbolt bowed his head, realizing how hopeless it would be to talk her out of the unholy idea.

“Yes your grace.”

“Good, now go.” She ordered before taking off into the clear summer morning.

Queen Elizabeth flew to the west side of her kingdom where the large summer mountains stood proudly. Large oak and elm trees decorated it's peaks, along with pine and various other species of trees. The cave she was looking for was well hidden by a huge waterfall surrounded by a rainbow of stones shining brightly against the early morning sun.

“Lightning Dragon King Laxus, it is I Queen-” She was cut off by a thundering roar that shook the very cave itself.

“Why are you here?” A voice growled from the cave.

“I wish to discuss-” She began.

“I’ve told you what I would give and nothing else. You wanted Levy to have power, so I will give her that. All I asked was to have half of your pathetic fairy kingdom. You agreed that if I married her, I would have it all, so now what is that you want?” He cut her off. With each word, a booming step came nearer and nearer until she was face to face with a gold and black dragon looming over her. His gray eyes hard and cold, watching her every move.

“No, this isn’t about the treaty, I can assure you that great Dragon King. What I wanted was your help in making sure that none of the other families get in your way.” She smiled. The dragon raised an eyebrow but allowed her to continue.

“My informant has told me that Lady Belshiron has sent her only daughter Erza Scarlet out to bring back my daughter. If she succeeds, then Levy can null this marriage as you didn’t save her from the Iron dragon.” The lightning dragon began to growl at her words. “Bring back my daughter now. If not, everything that you want will be taken from you.” She ordered. However, the lightning dragon began to laugh at the attempt the Fairy Queen was making to order the dragon around.

[delectable-travel-dining]

Canada's National Cocktail Turns 50 - And Here Are 4 Great Places to Drink It

It's as Canadian as maple syrup. The Caesar is Canada's national cocktail. Created in a hotel bar in Calgary in 1969, it's been the only-in-Canada favorite game night, summer patio, and 'hair of the dog' Sunday brunch cocktail. Caesars even prompted an exclusively Canadian cocktail mix: Clamato juice, a combination of clam and tomato juice, which you can find on the shelves of almost every market in the country.

The country's 35 million residents consume an estimated 350 million Caesars every year, with variations and a cornucopia of local and inventive garnishes that ratchet up competition between bars across the country.

Feel like a taste of Canada? Well, book a trip to one of these standout Caesar cocktail destinations from coast to coast… or enjoy the recipes these bars, restaurants and hotels have been kind enough to share.

Hail Caesar!

Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host, BestTrip TV

The Birthplace: Westin Hotel – Calgary, Alberta

Today's Westin in Canada's oil country capital was the Calgary Inn in 1969. Bar manager Walter Chell was assigned the creative task of devising a signature cocktail for the opening of the hotel's new Italian restaurant. He called on his own Italian roots and favorite dish, spaghetti with clams, mashing clams and blending them with tomato juice, adding spice, topping the beverage with a celery stalk, a 'crown' for a cocktail to be named after ancient Roman emperors.

The Caesar is still on the bar menu at the Westin's Liquid Lounge in Calgary, and although its recipe is true to Walter Chell's original recipe, they make it unique using local vodka from Eau Claire Distillery.

The Original Caesar Recipe

1 lime wedge

1 T celery salt or as needed

ice cubes as needed

1 oz vodka

1 dash Worcestershire sauce, or to taste

1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Tobasco), or to taste

8 oz tomato and clam juice cocktail (such as Mott's Clamato or Walter Chell Caesar mix)

1 celery stick

Wet the rim of a cocktail glass with the lime wedge; set aside for garnish. Place celery salt in a small dish, and press the rim of the glass into the salt to coat. Add ice to the glass.

Pour vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce over the ice; top with tomato-clam juice. Garnish with lime wedge and celery stick.

Pro Tip: Double down on local flavor, pairing the Liquid Lounge's Caesar with the hotel's western-themed Bison Nachos.

The First Caesar Bar: 1858 Caesar Bar - Collingwood, Ontario

Two hours north of Toronto, mountains meet the shore of the vast Georgian Bay on the Great Lakes. The town of Collingwood is the gateway to the four-season Blue Mountains resort area, where skiing and snowboarding in the winter meet hiking and biking in the summer, and a host of marine activities in this historic Great Lakes shipping and ship building destination. Collingwood's beaux-art Federal Building downtown is one attraction. Another is the first Caesar Bar in North America.

1858 Caesar Bar features a huge menu of Caesars from traditional to outrageous, and you can even build your own custom Caesar cocktail. They all uniquely contain Walkers OneShot Caesar Additive, the Caesar seasoning that was the inspiration for the bar. They shared the recipe for their all-Canadian flavored Caesar:

1858 Caesar Bar - Canadian Maple BBQ Caesar

Start - Rim a 16oz to 20oz Glass with Walkers OneShot ‘Bold and Savory Rimmer’

Use Lemon or Lime Juice on a Tea Plate or Bowl to Wet your glass for the Rimmer to stick to the glass

Rim your glass

Add lots of ICE, THIS is important for a Great Caesar.. Yes ICE! Fill the glass full of ICE

Add Saddleback Whisky - Maple Bacon Whisky

Add Mott’s Clamato Original - Or your favorite Clam Juice

And now here comes the Magic - Add about 1oz of Walkers OneShot Premium HandCrafted Caesar Additive - Choose your desired Heat Level from Mild to Hot

Garnish with a piece of Maple Canadian Bacon

Finish - The Best Part - ENJOY this True ALL Canadian Caesar

Pro Tip: It's easy to make your own Maple Bacon - Get some BBQ Sauce and add some pure Canadian Maple syrup to the BBQ sauce. Stir it up, and brush onto the cooked piece of bacon.

The Liberty Distillery – Vancouver, British Columbia

Canada's West Coast cruise port is famously nestled between the sea and the mountains. Vancouver's Granville Island neighborhood has been transformed from factories and sawmills to a famous shopping and foodie destination. There you'll find the century-old Saloon Bar of the Liberty Distillery.

The Liberty Distillery's award-winning, light and citrus-y Bloody Caesar (pictured, top) highlights their organic, local grain craft distilled spirits.

Bloody Caesar

In a Collins Glass, build:

1oz. Truth Vodka

½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

3 Drops Tabasco

5 Drops Worcestershire

Clamato Juice or Tomato Juice

Ground Pepper

Grated Horseradish

Spicy Bean and Olive on a pick

Lime Wedge

Rim glass with celery salt. Fill with ice, spirit, lemon juice, tabasco and Worcester. Top with clamato juice and garnish with an olive/bean skewer, freshly grated horseradish, ground pepper and a lime wedge.

Pro Tip: instead of driving, practice safe cocktailing and at the same time enjoy an iconic Vancouver trip: take one of the adorable mini-tugboat ferries over to Granville Island to indulge in Caesars and the famous food scene.

Peake's Quay Restaurant and Bar - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Canada's smallest and only island province is one of Canada's east coast provinces. PEI is famous for red sand beaches, lighthouses, Anne of Green Gables, and church lobster suppers.

Historic capital Charlottetown, with its Victorian buildings, is the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, and home to Peake's Quay Restaurant and Bar, overlooking the historic Charlottetown waterfront. They serve a classic Caesar, but with a local twist:

Peake's Quay Classic Caesar

Rim a collins glass with Celery Salt

Ice

1 oz Vodka

Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce

Splash of. Lime Juice

Maritime Madness Bacon Blaze Zesty Bacon Hot Sauce (made in Montague, Prince Edward Island)

Topped with Motts Original Clamato Juice

Salt and Pepper

Topped with Salt & Pepper

Garnished with a Spicy Bean and Lemon and Lime.

Pro Tip: Peake's Quay is open during the summer season, when it hosts some of the best of the Canadian maritime's famous music. Check out their Summer Concert Series schedule to make sure you're sipping a Caesar and tapping your toes to 'down East' coast music.

Start your Trip!

Copyright BestTrip.TV/Influence Entertainment Group Inc or Rights Holder. All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[zealoptics]

The Imaginary 

Trip Report, Peruvian Andes, 2018

Words by Abbey Smith, Images by Jeff Rueppel, Mick Follari, and Dawn Kish

The legendary peaks of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca are a slice of the best alpine climbing and some of the greatest undiscovered bouldering in the world. The Blanca is the stuff of dreams. To touch them is magic – a chance to feel the world as one might wish it to be. Join Zeal Ambassador Olivia Hsu, Abbey Smith, Pete Takeda, Jeff Rueppel, Mick Follari, and Dawn Kish as they journey up the deep valley of the Quebrada Ultar to explore and taste the potential of out-of-the-way corners of the Andes. Put on a VR headset and you’ll feel what it’s like to travel so far for something that might not exist; to gamble it all for the dream and the possibility of a whole world complete… 

The adventure began in Huaraz, a vibrant, idyllic mountain town catering to trekkers and climbers. Nestled at the feet of the Andes (10,000 feet) Huaraz is a living breathing showcase of Incan mountain culture. Mountain tourism is a major part of the local economy—a system threatened by shrinking ice caps and collapsing mountains. 

Meet the Beast, The Imaginary, Part 1: https://youtu.be/3UDEVnEMois 

In early July, Takeda and Follari checked out area the amazing untouched boulders in a pristine zone between up to 16,700 feet in elevation prior to the main group’s arrival. They also assayed an ideal basecamp and approaches to Huascaran (22,205 ft.), in the heart of the biggest tropical ice-covered mountain range in the world. 

What they didn't expect to find was a tremendous recession of the Schneider Glacier in recent decades. Towering moraines and vast fields of loose rubble complicated the already complex and strenuous terrain. A mere kilometer’s travel often took over an hour. 

No Guarantees, The Imaginary, Part 2: https://youtu.be/2RrEOAJwAJ0

In mid-July, the team, acclimatized in Huaraz and trekked from the trailhead, bound for basecamp at the 15,600 foot level, below Huascaran. Though some members suffered from colds and altitude sickness, they arrived in the proposed basecamp. They awaited hours for the arrival of the burros only to discover discovered that the animals had became lost and disoriented for below. 

The next day, the burros again turned back this time due to the untracked and rugged terrain. The team compromised by putting basecamp in a broad, bucolic alpine valley, cut by several streams and strewn with boulders. 

Big Mountain Bouldering, The Imaginary, Part 3: https://youtu.be/W3DuX8lWbDo 

For four weeks, the team lived, played and worked in elevations up to 19,000 feet. When you’re that high the solar radiation is intense! Eyewear choices were more than stylish – they were vital pieces of equipment. One lens covered travel, mountainous treks, rock climbing at extreme altitude and alpine climbing in the blinding glare of glaciers and 20,000-foot high peaks. 

Despite a five-day period of rain and snow, the team began developing the exceptional boulders in the area along with exploring the higher environs up to 16,500 feet. They accomplished several of the most aesthetic problems in their collective experience. 

Magnificent Yet Incomplete, The Imaginary, Part 4: https://youtu.be/zLiRuYrMOIo 

Takeda and Follari attempted a big new route on the rarely visited Southwest Face of Chopicalqui (20,846 feet). Only a handful of climbing expeditions have attempted this face. In a six-day round trip they experienced dangerous conditions, difficult avalanche-prone snow and a really nasty case on on-route diarrhea. They ran out of food—and clean underwear–forcing them down around four pitches from the summit ridge. 

A Curious and Unfinished Course, The Imaginary, Part 5: https://youtu.be/UD9Npcdtj88 

Our traditional climbing expedition evolved into an intense exploratory trip with some very significant climbing. Exploration is every bit about the unknown and unanticipated as it is about summits and successful sends! 

[dmcracy]

Group 1.5 - Intermezzo - The seventh sin

Ilma űr Tamar is what remains from the vast ancient forest that once spread all across the western side of Neru. Many strange creatures found home in this forest thousands of years ago and some still remain in the shadows of ancient trees. Llthrae, Mína and Orik entered the shadowy, green smelling forest not knowing what awaits them. They traveled for hours until they reached the spot where two rivers connected, creating a much stronger third one. The last mighty river is called Nastasilef - crystal spear - and within its cold waters star sapphire Llthrae possessed began its story. But Llthrae found out about this only after they escaped the forest, so we will let it be for a while.

Above the river, a marvelous ruin stood in its broken glory. A ruin of once ancient hold of a mighty queen that now lay in mold and debris, slowly devoured by trees and flora around it. The adventurers entered its half broken gate and found a ghost of a child looking for her doll in the courtyard. After a brief conversation, Orik decided to cut a piece of his rope and made a little doll for the ghost girl. She did not like it and paid no mind to it because, at the same time Mína, took out the doll from the ghost in Slanterk from her bag doll from the ghost in Slanterkfrom her bag. The ghost girl rushed to her, snatched the doll and vanished. Puzzled by this event, the adventurers decided to venture forth and traversed a long lightless corridor. At its end, there was a grand door and murmur of people could be heard from the other side. They entered and found out that the room was filled with ghosts having a banquet. Above everything else, a throne made from great white tree stood and within its branches sat a pale, ghostly figure of breathtaking beauty. It was the ghost queen of this once powerful kingdom. A banshee. She asked what were they looking for and what they wanted. I had a little diplomacy game with her prepared. Players could get three keys from her for their quest. But when I started the game, mocking them as a banshee queen, Mína took the first key the queen offered and the group went away. The queen said for a few times that there are many locks and the key will open only first of them, but they did not care (in this session Llthrae was not present so maybe that was the reason). This is where this session ended and I felt dread because the dungeon below the queen was small and deadly in every way possible. In this time I still cared deeply for the fun and giggles of my players and cringed at every moment when some lethal danger appeared. 

The next session was with all three players in the entry room of the vaults. They had one key and an ancient mosaic to decipher in the circular room. The mosaic was depicting an unknown scenery with snowy mountains and one great star above the highest peak. 25 small keyholes were barely visible above the entire landscape. Some of the holes were just empty. Some of them were traps. One was a real death room with the deceased daughter of the banshee embedded in ice. One was an easter egg with a bearded guy with long hair wearing a t-shirt with some castle in a glass coffin. And one was with the treasure they needed. It took some time but to my astonishment (and with some railroading) Llthrae found the right keyhole. The part of the wall disappeared and vast cold darkness opened in front of him. Llthrae took the step in and I made him make an acrobatics check if he can catch the rim of the wall because there was no solid floor. And I found another lovely thing he was doing since then.

Immediately after I said “roll the check” he took back his decision. He argued that he did not word it properly and he did not want to enter really. This scared me at that time because I wanted my players to have fun. So I backed his point and then he gloriously poked the darkness with his stuff and showed us all how smart and wise wizard he is. Eventually, they found out that holding any source of light revealed a misty path 5 ft around them. They ventured forward and got to the point where they could see a large ancient tree enlightened by the moonlight few ft from them. But the catch was no mist was forming from that point on. They looked around and found out they were standing on the stone cylindrical pillar decorated with a large tree surrounded by elements of ice and fire. I do not remember exactly what happened here but after a few moments of desperation Orik sat on the ground bored and put his torch next to him. Suddenly a sound of shifting stones echoed through the air and stone stairs rose in front of them. They approached the tree and Llthrae started to shoot his Ray of frost around him to see if there were any other buttons or passages. A very wise decision to make in D&D since the days of Gygax.

The adventurers stood in front of the tree and Mína tried to take some of the seeds which were scattered around. The tree immediately punched her with a branch and grappled her. Llthrae with Orik tried to help and the tree eventually got calm. After that Mína got a glimpse of some other time by meditating under the tree. She saw an endless dusky realm of ice and snow, dragons flying around and strange dark-skinned, elf-like creatures living among them. So obviously she did not tell anything about it to the others and never thought about it again. So Orik grabbed the chest near the tree with the treasure they needed and they left. When they approached the banshee again, the banquet was gone. The only thing remaining was the ancient tree and a ghost of an elf sitting on it. And she was pissed because of their success. She claimed they cheated her and there was no possible way for them to succeed in her opinion and after a while fight began. The ghost of the girl from the begging of the dungeon helped them to distract the queen because the banshee cared for her. This was where Mína’s secret talent kicked in. Instead of fighting (because Mína hated fights) she tried to persuade the queen to give up. I made her roll persuasion. A critical. Realizing this could end up in another potentially awesome moment in this game, I played along. The queen cried out so loudly that the room quaked and she vanished with the ghost girl. I do not remember how my players reacted to it. But I loved it. For me, this was the spirit of D&D - to try things which are not on your sheet. I think they had no time to celebrate because the entire building was collapsing and they were running towards the light. The debris was falling so to keep it real I made them roll acrobatics checks to avoid falling stones. Everybody succeeded. Orik made it even more awesome by just jumping over the stone pillar. This was a real moment of joy for me. A real D&D experience.

At the end of the session, they escaped the crumbling building and entered the glade. Suddenly, an arrow swished around their ears. And another one. And a red-haired elf was running towards them. 

And on the other side of the mountains, a young halfling girl went to the forest to look for mushrooms.

[noplanwithavan]

A BALKAN EDUCATION

I was pretty down on Albania in my last post. But journeying north, further from the coast, its redeeming features soon began to reveal themselves. The wilderness, dramatic beauty, political complexity and sheer “otherness” can’t fail to win you round. In fact, the entire Balkan region has woven itself firmly into our affections. In the last month we have journeyed through Albania, to Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and finally Croatia.

My knowledge of former Yugoslavia - and the rifts and shadows cast by Europe’s last war - was sketchy to say the least. In many ways, its easy enough to ignore. The countries we have seen in the past few weeks share more similarities then differences. Driving across the many borders you see only gradual progressions in the food, landscape and slavic tongue. After a while the currencies too blend into each other, and its hard to keep track of the respective Leke, Denar, Lev, Dinar, Mark, and Kuna. The mediterranean olive oil and oranges we have become accustomed to have been supplanted by soft fruits and a diet rich in dairy. Just as one bucolic village with haystacks and higgledy-piggedly houses made from wattle and daub looks much like the next, just across the border, so too the roadside markets, bursting with cherries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines and apricots. In Kosovo we were given a guided tour of the local cuisine by a stunned supermarket shop assistant. “Why are you here?” she asked, fussing over the girls and high-5’ing them on account of their red t-shirts, emblazoned with the double-headed Albanian Eagle. Tourists are still a novelty in Europe’s newest country (whose independence was only recognised in 2008, and is still disputed by neighbouring Serbia). She followed us around the aisles, like a personal assistant, pointing out what food we should try - the best Ajvar (stewed aubergine and paprika relish), which brand of Kos (goat’s yoghurt). Yet study the war graves, etched with young men bearing kalashnikovs, the dates glaring out at you, impossibly raw and recent. Delve into any conversation in the Balkans and watch how you are immediately brought up short by an impregnable wall. We asked that same young shop assistant directions to Visoki Dečani - a UNESCO-listed Serbian monastery just outside the town. “What monastery?” she replied wide-eyed. “There is no monastery here.” It was only when we drove the short mile to the site that we understood. The entrance was under armed guard by the KFOR (Nato-funded Kosovan Peace Force). Following the 1997-99 war with Serbia, newly-independent Kosovo bitterly resents the continued presence of any Serbian who has chosen to remain on their territory. Inside this fortified enclave, was possibly one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. Over 1,000 orthodox 14th century frescos adorning the walls, inlaid with gold and lapis from Afghanistan. One depicted a unique scene, “The only painting of its kind in the world,” our Serbian host beamed. It was Jesus bearing a sword. It wasn’t that our Kosovan supermarket girl didn’t know about this monastery. She wasn’t allowed to tell us she knew. And we were stupid for asking.

Kosovo was a special place. Somehow the complete lack of other tourists and top sights to see made it all the more beguiling. There were towns which appeared to offer little in the way of attractions, but whose charm lay in their sheer differentness. In Peja we were blinded by the ritzy dazzle of wedding dress shops, stopped to watch a man repair my broken sandal, witness a child bare-foot cleaning the gutter, and paused before an open shop door where inside young girls stretched and cut baclava pastry on a cloth the size of a ping pong table. The girls revel in one foreign word in particular which they are adept at pointing out on signs. It’s only now, 9 months in, that they’ve shown any interest in being able to read. Probably not unrelated to the fact we’ve eased up on the whole home-schooling thing big time. It’s too hot now for a start, and I’ve kind of ceded defeat, acknowledging that Marcus is far better at teaching than I am. He’s more patient, and doesn’t suffer from the frustration that it all seems so piecemeal. Like the fact you teach something one day and it’s disappeared entirely from consciousness the next. I have the word “Shitjet” to thank for this breakthrough. It means “for sale”, but they find it relentlessly hilarious. Sometimes they try and weave the word “shit” into conversation. “This honey is shit,” one of them might remark to a chorus of giggles. When I rebuke, the perpetrator retorts, “But I meant this honey was for sale!”

One highlight has been Albania’s Accursed mountains. By far the most impressive peaks we have seen so far on this journey. Just the name whets your appetite. They rise up before you like a vast vertical wall, softened only by a fringe of pine trees climbing the lower slopes. Above shark-like jaws of rock, arranged in snaggletoothed rows, guard the border to Montenegro beyond. Rain prevented any serious trekking, but just soaking up those mountains shrouded by mist was enough. Warned to stay away from one side of the valley because of the very real danger of brown bears, we scampered around on small excursions, foraging for elderflower, wild strawberries, lemon thyme, oregano and mint. The effort just to get here is testimony to the sense of rugged isolation. The only road in requires you first to travel 2 and a 1/2 hours on a ferry ride across the dammed Lake Koman. And the only way to continue is to walk up and out across the pass to Montenegro. Passing mountain villages dotted with haystacks, houses with wooden shingle rooves, and women wearing traditional Albanian dress, we bounced rather than drove the road to Lake Koman. Arriving by nightfall it was a surreal experience, agricultural scenes abruptly giving way to mining machinery and finally a kind of post-apocalyptic industrial dead end, as we emerged by a hydro power plant. At first I thought we must have taken a wrong turn, but we were waved down and sold a ferry ticket by an obliging young man, who told us to continue towards the dam and park overnight on the ferry. Following his scant directions to “Park in the middle, at the back,” we crawled our way up an ever more desolate road and into an endless tunnel. Just as it crossed our mind we may have been scammed out of €70, we emerged, and implausibly spy a tiny ferry moored alongside the dam wall.

The next morning we are awoken early as other passengers begin to embark. The girls refuse to take off their Albanian t-shirts, and here they attract much admiring attention. A group of young Albanians stop to chat and exchange high 5’s with the girls. One is very pally, with a comedy Estuary accent, “Alright, how you doin’? Yeah mate, yeah, right,” he reels in effortless patter. It transpires he’s spent a few years on a building site in Kent, and despite his status as a self-proclaimed economic migrant, has rather surprising views on the Brexit question. “It’s the Bulgarians mate, taking all the work and that.”

The ferry ride is incredible, just how I imagine the fjords of Norway may look if we ever get that far North. The compact nature of the top-deck makes for a friendly, communal atmosphere. While the young Albanians treat us to rousing nationalistic songs, putting paid to our peaceful surroundings, the girls befriend a group of Scottish pensioners. One man, Brian, is particularly indulgent, and becomes drawn into their play. Before long they graduate from roaring loudly at him, to clambering all over his person, inspecting his jewellery, trying on his shoes, and finally taking pictures of his body parts (all decent) in order to reconstruct later into a collage. A few days later Lulu draws a picture, and labels it “Brian” in her sketchbook.

Braving the bears, one day we dare to head further into the folds of the Accursed mountains, to hike from the village of Çeremi near the Montenegro border. The journey up the rough track is bone-crunching and spliced with the danger of a river crossing. Summoning courage, Marcus revs the engine and plunges across, grating the underside of the van. Its at times like these I wish we had gone for a 4WD. Felicity Evans you were right! When we can go no further we stop, and try to continue on foot. But within minutes the rain, which has never strayed far, is back, and we are soaked to the skin. Like so often on this trip, unwittingly our misfortune presents a unique opportunity. We find ourselves taken in by an Albanian family, sheltered from the rain, fed and housed for the night. Our “saviour” so to speak is some sort of scout, on the lookout for reckless souls such as we. Instinctively you sense there will be a catch, but we opt to follow him regardless, curious as to how things will play out. He is wearing the most incongruous outfit, given the location - a black baseball jacket with pinstripe trousers and black leather shoes. It looks even more ridiculous a few moments later when he confidently coaxes us across another river bed, where this time our van becomes firmly lodged. With a shrug he attempts to push us out, and the wheel spin flings mud all over his smart office wear. We’re taken to a farmhouse, and find ourselves in a small, low space where a family leap to their feet to greet us. A stove dominates the room, which, by the look of the beds made into seating, and the sink in the corner, serves many purposes. With no common language to fall back on, it is a bizarre mixture of mime where we play as best we can the theatre of hospitality. Our “scout” introduces the family, and we believe we can discern the relationships: a man, his wife, two daughters and his sister. The girls break the ice best, drawing the little 5 year old girl, Linari, into play by dressing up the family’s cat. The room is roasting and while we strip off, a round of buttermilk drinks are laid before us. It’s a challenge to say the least - rich, creamy, cold milk with an island of butter bobbing below a greasy surface. I watch as Marcus slurps a lump into his mouth, trying to disguise a grimace. Next comes the home-brew - distilled Reiki - followed swiftly by Turkish coffee. For the last month I’ve dismissed this coffee due to the fact it tastes like drinking warm earth, but out of the 3 drinks on offer it is by far the most palatable.  “Hmm,” remarks Marcus. “We’ve got all the makings of a deconstructed White Russian here. Shall I go and fetch the cocktail shaker from the van?”

The dairy theme continues. For dinner, the family lay a table top on the floor, scatter cushions around and gesture for us to sit down while they load up food and perch behind to watch us eat. There is pasta with cream, a yoghurt soup, salad and another dish of cheese melted in butter. That night we are shown to our “accommodation” in a back shed, consisting of two damp rooms with no lights. The girls room comes with bunkbeds and a chainsaw in the corner. Ours has a man’s clothes hanging up and musty-smelling bed clothes. The next morning things turn sour - and this time it has nothing  to do with the rancid salted yoghurt and bowl of melted cheese we are served for breakfast. The “guide” wants us to pay €110 for our stay, which by Albanian standards buys you 2 nights in a slap-up luxury hotel. It’s all a bit tense, as we only have the equivalent of €40 in Albanian currency, so we sit around for a while trying to ascertain whether they will allow us to leave or if things might turn nasty. In the end it is only the children who say their farewells without a trace of awkwardness. Little Linari has become attached to a pair of sunglasses, which the girls gracefully donate, blissfully unaware of the deals their parents have struck.

We still have the odd day of meltdown, when tiredness, endless questions or long hours of driving frazzle all of our nerves. But generally things are pretty harmonious, and the girls are markedly better at the art of negotiation now. Elsie in particular has blossomed in confidence, talking and chatting to people we have just met in a way she never would have done before we left on this trip. I’m amazed at how well they take it all in their stride. We are told “Twin team Albania” must remove their t-shirts in Serbia - an inflammatory act in the current climate. At the Kosovan border the guards purposely don’t stamp our passports to prevent problems later on. Elsie and Lulu kind of absorb it all, our whispered asides at border controls, and attempts to explain the tensions. They have an imprecise but workable understanding of both religious divides and communism now. Our favourite capital city has been Tirana, in Albania. Small, but relaxed, green and leafy, we took the girls to study the socialist realism paintings in the National Art Gallery, pointing out and discussing what they thought about the fresh-faced men and women depicted as mighty, eager workers. There have been so many border controls - including one where we walked from Croatia into Bosnia just for a coffee across the narrow Una river. The first thing they do, after studying the flag, is to ask, “So are they Muslim or Christian here then?” just to ascertain whether its safe to get out their Albanian t-shirts and football emblazoned with the flag of Kosovo. A few times we’ve just pulled off a motorway by a toll pay point and one of them will sigh, “Crikey, Is this another country again?”

But the onslaught of change and unrivalled hospitality doesn’t seem to faze them. Stopped by the Danube in the Serbian town of Donji Milanovac one day, we watched the girls scramble around a playpark, weaving between an army of gun-toting young boys. One father, with an 8 year-old son, engaged Marcus in conversation. Before long we had an invitation back to his house for a drink. I sometimes wonder what Elsie and Lulu make of these situations - what they sense when we find ourselves in odd places, trying unfamiliar home-made specialities, never knowing where we will be, who we will meet from day to day; following their parents into the unknown. Where the adults are nervous and thick-tongued, they act without hesitation - goofing around with 8 year-old Michaelo, who speaks impressive English. Too impressive in some respects - skidding his bike and yelling “What the fuck!” with obvious relish.

We have now racked up 16 countries in 9 months. In that time over 100 camping spots have been our home for a night or longer. I like to think we leave each one as we find it. Our only markers a tell-tale puddle of run-off water, and a small pile of swept scrapings from the van floor. Shells, nuts, pebbles; downtrodden relics from the recent past. But in truth, it is not all we have left behind. Our belongings are scattered all over Southern Europe - clothes, 4 pairs of shoes, tweezers, a stool, shovel, bodyboard, hats, sunglasses, 3 towels, 2 cheese graters, and an iPhone. All sacrificed along the way, through sheer carelessness or neglect. Each day a small parade of objects dance past us through the door, carried away to be used as props in Elsie and Lulu’s latest show. Before we depart, Marcus and I attempt to do a minesweep of the van’s curtilage, but invariably we fail to retrieve the odd thing, left behind like a discarded offering. Our plan of attack has been to tax their pocket money instead. It seems the only way to inculcate some concept of personal liability. So far Lulu has replaced her own hat and my tweezers from her savings, and Elsie saved up for 2 weeks to buy Marcus a new shovel. Their new found wealth has also proved a useful safety net for us. On at least 3 occasions we’ve had to raid their reserves after finding ourselves caught short at borders or toll booths.

There is a new urgency now, as we can sense our time is running out. The loop of the Balkans took as as far inland as Bulgaria. Our destination was the a tiny village in the countryside near Vratsa, visiting an old University friend of Marcus’s, Cen Rees. Despite having no contact for 10 years, it was effortlessly easy to be in his company, along with his wife Chrissy, daughter Islay and baby Olly. Another of their UK friends, Karen, was staying with her daughter, Tenzin, and we spent a glorious 4 days cooking outside, walking in the meadows and swapping stories. The simple way they lived their life - rich in time, not in possessions - was a pleasure to behold. The girls made mud pies, searched for horned vipers and spent many happy hours studying the contents of the long-drop compost toilet by shining down a torch. Little Islay’s biggest hero is the chubby survival specialist Ray Meers. While Cen treated us to a demonstration of fire-lighting “a la Ray”, Lulu picked up Islay’s considered way of speaking, with a Eastern European twang.

We have now moved on to Croatia. It feels like one big tourist theme park compared to the rest of former Yugoslavia. But at least here we can feel the breeze of the Adriatic coast, as the heat of summer begins to bite.

[bimblingcat]

There is a mountain outside the back door of my hotel room.  I think I need to type that again.  There is a mountain outside the back door of my hotel room.  I mean wow.

I turn toward the centre of the resort and find myself in what looks to be a fantasy version of some German town. I’m not sure what to make of the place.  I’m getting a guilty feeling of not liking it much and being phenomenally ungrateful for the opportunity of being here.  I head over toward the mountain and find a vast mud car park with only a truck, a trailer and two abandoned slays rusting away among the muddy pools.

As I’m standing there I get a memory of being in Paignton in the winter time and then I get this place.  I get how, at this time of year, it’s got its make-up off, its curlers in and is ready to go to sleep.  I find myself liking the oddness of it all, the emptiness and weird stillness. If it was high season it would be all bright snow and cheerful healthy shiny people having fondues.  But now there’s elderly Australian tourists shuffling about the ice covered paths.  It feels very me.

X

We leave Sun Peaks and start the drive down the mountain.  I hadn’t realised we were so far up although the snow in May probably should have given it away.  We head into Kamloops to get a satnav and get lost in the city trying to find a Best buy store.  It would have been easier with a sat nav…grrr.  Andy spies a Safeway and, on the thinking that it may be like a large Tesco’s in the UK, we pull in.

The woman in the Jeep next to us in the car lot, passes us a dark glance and when she appears from around her car I think she’s going to complain about the car door bumping her vehicle.  She asks about the wheelchair and says there are bays nearer the store and I explain that we didn’t bring Andy’s blue badge with us.  We get chatting and explain that we’re a bit lost and that we have a broken satnav.

Monica was lovely; she pulled out her phone, got directions to Best Buy, found a place closer, phoned the store to check that they were open and to check whether they had them in stock and I could have kissed her she was so helpful.

X

Sunshine and majestic mountains covered in pine with peaks covered in snow.  We go up and down passes between them with me moaning at Andy to stay left every minute or so as he keeps driving too far on the right.  We catch bits of local radio that slowly hisses out of reception range accompanied by the occasional thumping sound of the tires on the rumble strip.

  Five o’clock we’re in Vancouver on West George Street 6600 which is great but our Hotel is at 180 and we’re totally confused over how the road systems operate here.  The satnav doesn’t know our hotel so we set it to go to the city centre to try our luck from there.

In the city I ask directions from a guy who points to go over a bridge.  Andy does a U-turn and we end up on the wrong side of the road.  I do a bad job at not panicking.   We cross the river and pass through the LGBT area with its rainbow coloured zebra crossings.  We stop to ask for directions again and get told to go back down the street we just came up.  We do another U-turn and go the wrong way up a one-way.  We’re both starting to get a bit grumbly now and Andy is going full  ‘oh for fuck’s sake’ on me.  A few minutes later and I’m looking for someone else to ask.

The guy I stop is in his late thirties: dark short cropped hair, stone jaw, grey eyes and a white T-shirt covering a very well-tuned up body who was walking into the local fire station. His colleagues are busy washing down the fire engine with plenty of foam and sponge action going on in the afternoon Vancouver sunshine.  The fireman carefully explains which way we need to go based on which direction we’re facing and I amble back to the car and promptly direct Andy to go the wrong way up a one-way street.

“Do you remember anything that he said?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

We stop at a car park and I find a huge tattooed guy who gives similar helpful directions but without the distraction of overwhelming handsomeness and we find ourselves going down West George Street.  Where is 180?  We decide we’re going the wrong way and turn round and still don’t find it.  Stopping again I go into a Trump hotel where there’s some weird Spanish band playing to a group of Chinese businessmen.   I get directions and a sense of strangeness – finally…..finally we get to the Sandman hotel.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant and we sit and chat about getting gnarly with one another and realise it’s probably to be expected.   And now we’re both filled with beer so time for a sleep.

  Sun Peaks to Vancouver There is a mountain outside the back door of my hotel room.  I think I need to type that again.