Kevin's Watch

...would any of the festcrowd be interested in meeting/doing roadtrips? The whole undertaking's on the level of "will likely happen"; I've toured Europe so much during the recent years that I'd prefer to extend my range overseas, and there's all that AA mileage that will expire during the calendar year besides. Would love to behold some more of the mighty nature and Native American culture I glimpsed last summer, and of course meet people again.

I'm concerned about temperatures, however (e-fest 2014 was challenging and my iron levels plummeted). If I were related to the eldjötnar, I'd be able to tolerate all that heat, but the family descends from Ice Age mammoth hunters and Neanderthals genetically armed to withstand cold. 25C (less than 80F) is ok for slow-paced hiking, but anything above that exhausting. Any areas that fulfill these requirements?

Been also eyeing at the mysterious reaches of Canada, as other Vikings presumed Newfoundland a suitable spot for living.

Can't help you out with the US, but if you extend your travels to Australia, then I'll be willing and able - maybe come along in winter!

Oho! Well, it would be winter in kangarooland during Sep, now wouldn't it? Thank you, will put the option behind the ear and have a glance at flight prices.

(Apparently will need an additional visa for this.)

Where I live, Sep would be fine for you I'm sure It's sorta ginda the end of winter I guess!

Don't know what the visa requirements are, sorry!

Regular tourist visa applications can be filled online. Had to get ESTA last year afore journeying to the States with the eldritch giant-bird of steel.

It sounds like you're looking for very cold Indians. Maybe you want to visit Alaska and the Eskimos?

Well, it doesn't sound like you'll be out New England way, but if you happen to be, I'd be happy to see you again.

WF, you'll have to tell more about New England; my knowledge of the States remains limited. I'd love to poke around places such as Yellowstone, which is of course in a different state. Grand Canyon last year was a singular experience.

Alaska would sound (and feel) cool indeed, but I do wonder how I'd fare without a driver's license. A mosquito hat I can bring along. Not too keen on such bus tours where you get a 5-minute view of something and back to sitting behind a glass.

Stevie: How's the matter of public transportation in Australia?

Ok: so you're looking for cool places with Native Americans and friends with cars. Hmmm....

I'm sure I can manage a portion of it with train/Greyhound, after all I did that already.

I am still relatively new to the Pacific Northwest, but I think the Seattle area will meet your requirements in September/October.

We'll miss each other. :/ I'll be back in Africa by then.

The upper half of the US is probably going to meet temperature requirements, but it will be less humid the further you head west. The southeast tends to be hot and humid through summer and beyond.

As for Native American culture, you can find it all over the US in one form or another, but I think the further west you go the more likely you are to find larger reservations where culture is more preserved.

If you head anywhere near the Carolinas (North or South) I would see if I can catch up. I'll check here to see if you post any kind of schedule.

Frostheart Grueburn wrote:
Stevie: How's the matter of public transportation in Australia?

Awesome in the cities, and crap in the country

Thanks guys, have applied vacation time for September. Although after Stevie's suggestion, I'm envisaging a most arduous decision: east or west?

deer of the dawn wrote:We'll miss each other. :/ I'll be back in Africa by then.

Aaaaa hope to meet you someday. Perhaps an upcoming e-fest?

September wouldn't be too bad for temperatures/humidity in DC, but the later in the month, the better.

Alaska's had some weird fall/winter weather over the past couple of years. At times, they've been warmer than DC.

Should have updated this before, but: After umm'ing and aah'ing for a long time and comparing prices, some friends overtalked me to head for Middle-Earth aka New Zealand. LOTR tourism after GOT tourism. So perhaps the States next year, especially if there's going to be another e-fest. Looking forward to meeting everyone again.

New Zealand I hear is pretty awesome. I don't think you'll regret picking NZ over the US. But I don't remember whose a Kiwi on the "Kevin's Woitch"? Vain? Cambo?

Have a great trip. New Zealand is on the list of places I would like to visit.

Also hoping there will be an e-fest next year.

wayfriend wrote:New Zealand I hear is pretty awesome. I don't think you'll regret picking NZ over the US. But I don't remember whose a Kiwi on the "Kevin's Woitch"? Vain? Cambo?

Both of them (Vain only technically), and VariolSon of course.

--A