Kings Canyon

The Lyquid Amber concert went well on the 27th and a day after that Abby and me drove up to Kings Canyon to have a getaway for a night.


The trip up the mountains is beautiful and the blue sky was stunning.


Talk about trees, big trees, big, big trees, some of them over 2000 years old. That’s got to make you humble to meet the oldest living beings on the planet!


One tree that fell down was hollow and used as a stable in old western times, as well as a Saloon:)


Feels good to be out there together...


We had to get some duckfeet:) They were high tech and I thought about the indians and how they had snowshoes forever.


I need to touch him/her/it!


After a wonderful dinner we went back to our room and played cards until late.

Leaving Seattle

Leaving Seattle this time was more complicated than I anticipated and due to the heaviest winter in 50 years I postponed my departure day by day. Finally I just had to drive to meet up with my family in California. So One last look into the backyard...


I’ve never seen such big icicles in Seattle. The same was on the street inches of ice beneath a snow cover. I reached Tacoma before my chains broke and messed up my tires. After replacing the tires I still could not find any chains. Going back to Seattle was out of the question so I drove further South through Portland. What a mess, I should not have done that but...keep on driving...


I made it to a little village in Oregon where I stayed the night. That was my first Christmas eve all by myself in a motel with Chinese take out and three bottles of Arrogant Bastard Ale. The next day I still had to get over the Siskiyous Pass which was chains only! With the help of Abby and Evo on the internet I found a little gas station that had a few pairs left so I was good to go.


After I entered Northern California the snow went away but there were heavy cloud on the horizon being up to no good!

It took until late night before I reached Fresno close to midnight on Dec 25th. What a start!

Back home to Seattle

In the morning I play a service at the Yakima Unity Church. Last time I forgot to take pictures as did I this time - no idea why. It’s very nice folks and I enjoy it quite a bit. Then it’s time to do the last bit of the road. It’s a beautiful day and I hope it stays that way.



I guess not! Well after all I’m driving to Seattle...



Over the Snoqualmie pass



Darn it, it’s raining dogs and cats...



I arrive in Seattle short before nightfall



Someone is happy that I’m back:)

A day in Yakima

I sleep in a realize how tired I actually was! The day goes by way to fast and then it’s time to drive downtown to the place I’m playing. It’s in a Railroad car and a great mix out of Cafe and Bar with a Beer selection that rivals anything I’ve seen so far. Here is Leo helping me carrying my little PA inside.



Just one out of three walls!



Leo is so kind and buys me half a case of first class beer before we say goodbye to the owners.



Tomorrow I’ll be going back home to Seattle and am looking forward to seeing my family again

Back to Washington State

Today I’m driving back into Washington. I’ll visit with my friend Leo in Yakima where I play a show tomorrow and on Sunday. I’m Already looking forward to seeing him and his family! But first I got to say goodbye to CJ after a three hour chat and a superb breakfast - I wanted to get started way sooner but...



I got to get used to the rain again - It’s the first since Germany.



Driving again along the Columbia River



Made it!!! Well, how a bout a game or two?



Well, let’s take a walk first after sitting in the car for 7 hours.



Nice piece of land Leo got there:)



After that we chat and play until I can’t move my jaws any longer and have to sleep!

Music on the Vine

I spend most the day right in Twin Falls at an Internet Cafe to take care of biz.



It’s a short drive today, only about 30 miles. I’m still going slow so I have to deal with the anger of some truck drivers. This one wants to kiss my behind...



“Music on the Vine” is a sweet wine bar and from all the exchange that I had with the owner and a friend that helped to make this happen, I’m sure it’s going to be a great evening.



Here is Bruce, one of the owners



And Nancy who helped me getting this show:)



Bruce has me stay at a wonderful Bed & Breakfast - It’s out in the country and I have trouble finding it in the middle of the night but when I do I’m totally amazed! CJ, the owner off “Wild Rose Manor” has created a truly wonderful hideaway...




I’ll sleep like a baby!!!

The Great Salt Lake

I’m so hungry and get a mexican omlet at the downtown diner - Oh my is that bad - I wonder how someone can mess up eggs...



I had planned to drive to Nampa, today via Salt Lake on a route that I drove several times. Then I realize that I haven’t seen the Great Salt Lake yet so I turn West and change my plans. It looks like it snowed but that’s salt!



Isn’t that beautiful?



Well, just until the traffic hits



The rest of the drive is pretty eventless and late that evening I stop in Twin Falls, ID and take a motel. Tomorrow I have a show in Caldwell and am already looking forward to playing again.

Natural Bridges

Today I’m going to drive to the see the Natural Bridges National Monument. Utah is quite surprising and I like it more and more. Still ways to go...



Getting closer, lets see what’s next





I should be there any minute:)



Yes, just as I thought it would be - well, never mind...



Next time I’m staying several days here and hike through the canyon!






I’m really here...


...ready for a nap


After an hour or so I start driving out of the park


Where is this going?


Beautiful Columbia River - wish myself 200 years back:)


I find a little run down Motel in a little town in Utah and call it a day!