The Smith Family Garden Luau

This will (I think) be the last of my posts of the Kauai trip.

We couldn’t be in Hawaii with all our friends without taking them to a Luau.  And the one we found most recommended was with the ‘Smith family‘.  They have a large estate and so there are a few options that can be a part of your package as well as the Luau itself; we went for the whole thing that included a boat ride to Fern Grotto, time to explore the extensive gardens, dinner and the luau show.

Vintage weight and horoscope machine amused us whilst we waited for the boat trip

The event started with the boat ride which is a large floating platform holding something like 100 people.  The captain gives a talk through of the sights along the way which to me at least sounded very random and odd in places and I think amused him more than some of us (or maybe that is my British-ness); you could tell he’d been telling the same stories for a long time, anyway it was a fun ride with beautiful landscapes.

The boat takes you to a landing stage where after a short walk through jungle-like scenery you find yourself at the grotto.  It is very picturesque with a small stream of water tumbling over a cliff with a small cave at the bottom.  Unfortunately because of the other 100 people its a little crowded and you aren’t allowed too close which is understandable.  Interesting white birds (long-tails?) flew around overhead and a small Hawaiian band played, it was very nice.

Turntable chronicles; a new chapter

As well as Cameras, Photography and cycling I have another love and that is music. Unfortunately I can’t play an instrument but I love listening vinyl. I know it’s all files and disks these days and those are fine; I like to listen to music on all formats (especially live when I can) but Vinyl is still the best at least for analogue music (in my opinion). Analogue music? I here you say.. What I mean is, if music was originally recorded to play on an analogue device, it still sounds better played on an analogue device, more modern stuff that was recorded and intended to be digital probably sounds better played in the format it was intended for too.

I remember when music turned digital,

Taken in Ojai, California

Desert Trip

Wow! What a fantastic weekend!

Mirrorless: Part 5½, the countdown to Desert Trip and Pen-F try out

Just a few days until Desert Trip where I’ll be seeing some of the biggest names in rock, see my previous post here.

Can’t wait for the Desert Trip

Getting excited as the concert of the year approaches and is now just one month away.

The turntable chronicles

I’m excited.
At last after leaving the UK eight months ago I will soon be able to play some vinyl records.  Yes, those big black disks that some people gave up with in the 80s that can sound scratchy.  For some of us though we never let go.  CDs came and were very convenient but even they are falling by the wayside whilst vinyl is having a comeback – in fact it is expected that in 2016 vinyl will outsell CDs! – who would have believed? Anyway, I will try not to be a bore, but here is my lengthy tale which soon will come to a glorious end (with room for a sequel should I feel inclined).

Most influential Bands – change of mindset

I was asked the other day to name the three most influential bands of the generation.  Well, I say I was asked, it was an open question which I read and decided to respond to.  The question opened up a few other questions and thought processes.  Firstly what did the questioner mean by “the generation” I kind of assumed that he was younger than me and  might probably be my daughter’s age so was he asking for his generation or mine?  After some clarification we decided on it meaning the generation of whoever is answering.  Through clarifying though there seemed to be a sudden expectation that I was going to be really knowledgeable on the subject and would provide groundbreaking answers that would be new and exciting to this small group.  As is my usual way, I was quick to downplay my knowledge and tried to assume a novice approach.  After a couple of minutes thought I came up with the following;