Things are a little bit out of order but here is a post I’m working on…… I’ll get it all straightened out in a little bit when I’m finished catching up on some business – which could be 5 years time.
Just before I arrived in Tennesse I received a message from Mush and Humi (Queenstown mates) saying they were in the states and were going to be in Vegas and New Orleans…. that timing couldn’t have been better. I jumped in the car and drove 8 hours south for 3 days in New Orleans.
As usual…. we drank way too much and had a wonderfully debaucherous time. I think this photo was taken about 3am on Bourbon Street.
On my road trip from Colorado to Prince Edward Island, I stopped in Chicago to catch up with Al and Jarisse as well as Steve the 5th…….
South Chicago is renounde for being the homicide capital of the world – this year so far there have been 290 homicides – mostly gang and drug related shootings. Al, being a good host and wanting to show me around thought we’d play golf down there.
There is a stretch of holes that run by the projects which didn’t look too bad. The story goes that not long ago, kids from the neighbourhood would run out and make golfers pay a ransom otherwise they’d steal their golf balls. Typical Chicago.
Parts of the course were a little rough but overall a great day. Not sure you’d want to be walking around this place on a Friday night though.
I got in a couple of swims, the water temp was just perfect after a run. I did get yelled at by the pimply faced lifeguard for going out too deep…. it is just a big bath tub mate.
I got some work done which is always a good thing. My office on the 26th floor. This was late afternoon so I have my thermos of tea….
Pretty much ever night I’d sit out here with Al and Jarisse and enjoy a scotch (or two).
Steve the 5th and his new squeeze joined Al, Jarisse and myself for orchestra in the park. Wilson from Nashville provided the wine and we grabbed dinner on the way. Very civilized – and we are 7 miles from where all the shootings are in South Chicago.
Steve the 5th put me up for a few days as well and over a few scotches we both told countless Ironman and Marathon stories (Steve totally hooked me up at last year Chicago Marathon which was awesome). Steve seems like he might have a 3rd Ironman in him and our scotch induced BS inspired him to organise a morning swim…..
It was some ungodly hour but it was really cool. Some nice people, the water was warm and super calm. Things you do when you are hanging out with locals.
From Chicago, I headed to New Jersey. Everyone talks smack about New Jersey but my experiences there have been really nice. The day I arrived we kayaked down the river, not much paddling but a little bit of drinking and we got out at my old ski buddy Walters house which is 300 years old, Walter was 50yo when he built it I think – haha.
I got to play golf with Dave…..
I went dirt bike riding with John, was great to get my arse kicked by a bunch of 70yo blokes. They really handed my arse to me but I felt like I improved a little bit.
My Jersey mates, Charlie and Tina are awesome. I love their east coast attitude of ‘no rules’!!!! An example of this is Charlie looking for a new hobby and he decided to buy a hot air balloon!!!
The weather was good so we got it ready…..
Something went wrong and we didn’t have enough hot air and we were running out of daylight. I don’t think this is the first time Charlie couldn’t get it up……
From New Jersey, I drove 15 hours or so north to Prince Edward Island. I am settling in well…..