My Life & Achievements

Robert Peter Rands BSc.

1948 Born 16th March, in Roseville, Coseley, Staffordshire. Six houses in a rectangle, all sharing one
outside toilet, no bathrooms inside in those days, bath night was a tin tub in the kitchen filled
with cold water. Rationing was in force after the Second World War, there was no sugar for years and
each family was allowed one piece of meat per week ; ie one rasher of bacon or one sausage between four
of us. No heating, no refrigerator, no television, no car we were just a normal working class family of
that time.

Mother – Thelma Elsie, father – Robert, sister – Antionette.

Moved to 19 Smith Close, Woodcross, Coseley, Staffordshire. This was heaven to us two bedrooms and a
box room made into my bedroom, a coal fire in the lounge and a bathroom indoors, which unless you had
the coal fire burning all day still only had cold water, coal was very difficult to come by so most
of the time we were cold.

1953 Started infants school, at Hurst Hill school, had difficulty speaking (dyslexia) also had a bad stutter
and stammer, had to attend speech center three afternoons a week for three years.

1956 Started Primary School, still at Hurst Hill, speech much better but still had stammer.

1959 Started Secondary school at the Manor Secondary Modern School, stammer now gone.

1963 First girlfriend Gillian.
Left school in the June.
Started work August 26th At Stewarts and LLoyds, Bilston as an Electrical Apprentice.

1965 Bought motor cycle – Honda Benley 125cc (743 GBF). Passed motor cycle test.
Second girl friend Iris.
Went to Sweden to see the World Speedway Championship. Took coach to Hull, caught ferry to Gothenburg,
stayed three days.
1967 Bought first motor car – Ford Cortina. Passed motor car test.

1968 Completed my apprenticeship, became a fully qualified electrician.

1969 Toured Europe in my Ford Cortina with my mom dad and sister– visited, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany,
Austria, Switzerland. Had car accident in Austria a beer waggon ran into the side of my car.

1970 June, holiday on the Isle of Rhodes, also visited Turkey. First time scuba diving, swam in the
Mediteranian.

1973 At work, promoted to Electrical Shift Chargehand.

1975 Qualified as a High Tension Electrician.
Completed a three year couse to become an Electronic Engineer.

1976 Holiday in Tenerife.
Bought first MG Midget UDH 581R.
Took flying lessons at Halfpenny Green Airport, Birmingham.
Went to Cadwell Park motor racing school learnt to drive a racing car.

1979 June 23rd Bilston Steel Works closed, made redundant. Started jogging.
Two week holiday touring Scotland.

1980 January, holiday in Tunisia, visited Tunis and toured the country.
Built a kit car (LUM418F).

1981 July 12th ran my first marathon the inaugrual Sandwell marathon, 4hrs 35 mins. In the following 13 years
ran many more, best time was 3 hours 15 minutes.
September,holiday in Agadir Morroco, visited Marakesh.
Started work at Goodyear’s Wolverhampton.

1982 June completed the 1st Wolverhampton marathon in 4 hours 5 minutes.
July 11th completed the Sandwell marathon again.
July holiday in Malta.

1983 March 27th completed the Wolverhampton marathon in 3 hours 51 minutes.
September, Holiday in Kenya, stayed outside Mombasa on the coast. Went on two safari’s Tsavo West Park
then flew down south in a six seater light aircraft to Massa Mouri safari park, swam in the Indian Ocean,
also learnt to sail a catamaran.

1984 September, holiday in Israel and Egypt. Swam in the dead sea and walked the route Jesus took carrying
the cross. In Egypt went inside the great pyramid into the burial chamber, sailed on the river Nile
visited the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Met Winnie, Anita and Lorraine from
Australia.

1985 19th January met Pauline,
Did the Birmingham Walkathon (25 miles) for charity.
June 17th Went to see Snoopy show at The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton.
July 7th Athletics meeting at Alexander Stadium Birmingham.
July 16th Woodstock (budgerigar) joins the family.
September holiday in the far east, Bankok, Hong Kong, Macou, China & Bali.
December 11th Went to see the Butlins Grand Masters Darts Championship at New Kings Cabaret Theatre,
Great Barr, Birmingham.
21st December married Pauline.
22nd December dad died aged 71.

1986 March 15th Day trip to Rhyl.
April 12th & 13th Weekend in Blackpool at the Garstang Hotel.
May 10th & 11th parachute training.
May 18th took Pauline flying in a Cessna 4 seater.
June 14th Parachute Jump from 2500 ft.
September 11th holiday (late honeymoon) in Lanzarote.
October 31st Haloween party at 16a Horseley Heath.
31st December had my first dog, Spike, from Birmingham Dogs Home.

1987 January Vasectomy at Scott Clinic Birmingham.
April 27th holiday in Corfu.
June 6th & 7th weekend at Dune Motor Museum, Scotland.
September 10th holiday in Portugal with my mom and Pauline’s mom and dad.
October 15th did a walk for wildlife in Sutton Park to raise money for the WWF.
November 21st Charlie Brown joins family.
November 27th bought Apartment in Lanzarote, 523 El Barranquillo, Calle Ancla, PDC.

1988 March 11th Andrew Sachs in No Sex Please We’re British at the Grand Theatre Wolverhanpton.
April 16th & 17th weekend in Blackpool.
May 1st Birmingham Walkathon again.
May 8th visit Lanzarote stay in our own apartment for first time.
May 24th Grand Theatre to see When I Was A Girl.
May MG meeting Leatherhead, camped out in tent.
September 22nd holiday in Lanzarote.

1989 May Day Halfpenny Green Airport, took helicopter flight.
June 1st holiday in Lanzarote.
June Joined Mensa (IQ 167)
July 22nd & 23rd weekend in Leatherhead, camping.
September 19th Evita at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton.
November 16th holiday in Lanzarote.

1990 March 30th to April 1st long weekend in the Lake District.
April 22nd half marathon ( 1 hour 36 mins) raised Ł93.29 for Cancer Research.
May 17th MG meeting Stanford Hall.
May 28th Goodyear open day.
May 31st holiday in Lanzarote. (6th visit).
June 24th MG meeting St Albans.
July 15th day out at Rhyl.
August 4th athletics meeting Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Panasonic AAA Championships.
August 18th Visited the Museum of Science & Industry
September 14th Weekend in London, saw Starlight Express.
November 15th holiday in Lanzarote. (7th visit).

1991 March 22nd to 24th weekend in London, stayed at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, saw Miss Saigon and
Children of Eden.
April 14th Bristol half marathon. (raised Ł106.00 for Cancer Research).
April 25th holiday in Lanzarote. (8th visit).
May 16th Pauline’s mini is stolen from outside rear of house.
June 5th saw Bouncers at the grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.
July 13th Anita from Australia comes to stay with us.
July 19th & 20th visited Leatherhead, last camping trip dismanteled trailer on return and sold tent.
August 17th visited Slimbridge, became members of the Wildfowl Trust.

August 20th paid off loan for Apartment.
September 5th holiday in Lanzarote. (9th visit).
September 18th Adopted a Duck Named it Snoopy.
September 24th new car for Pauline, Ford Escort G772 MEA.
September 28th visited Martin Mere Wildfowl Trust.
October 19th visited Peakirk & Welney Wildfowl Trust.
December 20th to 22nd weekend break at The Pillars, Slimbridge.

1992 Febrary 1st started studying (S102) with The Open University for a BSc degree.
February 4th went to the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton to see Straight & Narrow starring Nicholas
Lyndhurst.
April 2nd holiday in Lanzarote (10th visit).
May 25th Goodyear Family Day.
May 28th went to the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton to see the Fancy Man, starring Brian Murphy.
June 28th completed the Black Country Half Marathon, raised Ł31.00 for Cancer Research.
July 13th Woodstock our bugie died.
August 8th visited Peakirk for weekend took Spike he had to sleep in our room would not settle in
stable. Bought bird bath as a memorial for Woodstock.
August 15th Went to Keele University for a weeks summer school part of OU course.
September 19th went to Slimbridge for the day.
October 10th went to Martin Mere for the day.
October 22nd took OU exam (S102) passed with 69%.
November 19 holiday in lanzarote (11th visit).

1993 February started OU course M101 (maths) .
May6th holiday in Lanzarote (12th visit).
July 9th weekend at Slimbridge.
May 24 win on Littlewoods pools Ł283.00.
August 6th OU summer school at Reading University.
October 3rd Space Spectacular at the National Indoor Area, Birmingham.
October passed OU exam M101.
November holiday in Lanzarote (14th visit).

1994 February 3rd year with OU S271 Physics, S280 Science Matters.
Holiday in Lanzarote (14th visit).
August 20th OU summer school at Durham University.
October Passed both OU exams.
Holiday in Lanzarote (15th visit).

1995 January 3rd put house on the market.
January 26th holiday in Lanzarote (16th visit).
January 27th I took voluntary redundancy from Goodyear.
February started OU course Physics S272 The Physics of Matter, and S281 Astronomy and Planetary Science.
March 13th started new job, steelworks at Halesowen.
June 30th Pauline & I finish work.
July 6th I move to Lanzarote to live.
July 8th Pauline & Spike move to Lanzarote to live.
July 15th OU summer school at Durham University.
August 1st bought new car Seat Ibiza.
October 16th & 18th OU exams passed S281 failed S272.
October 18th my sister is told she has cancer.
November 23rd Pauline goes to England for 1 week holiday.

1996 January 4th, my sister Antionette died of Cancer she was 51.
February Started OU courses S272(repeat) and S354 Understanding Space and Time.
October OU exams passed both S272 & S354.

1997 May 2nd sold apartment on Barranquillo bought house in San Bartolome.
Started to refurbish house, rewired, replumbed, totally new kitchen and bathroom Pauline and I did all
the work ourselves.

1998 February Started OU course S269 Earth and Life.
October OU passed S269.

1999 February Started OU course M246 Elements of Statistics
October OU passed M246.
December 12th my Mom died aged 78.

2000 February started OU course T223 Microprocessor Based Computers.
October OU passed T223.
December awarded a BSc in Astrophysics fron the Open University.

2001 June 2nd collected my Degree at the International Convention Center Birmigham.
December 3rd my dog Spike dies. Will never forget him, we used to jog along the canal bank from Dudley
Port to Birmingham nearly every day.

2002 February 9th & 10th weekend at Playa Blanca, Hotel Playa Dorada.
June 13th Rambo, my second dog (rottweiler doberman crossbreed), joins the family.

2003 April 19th picked up new van.
May 13th Pauline has operation, spend few days in hotel on Gran Canaria.
September, 1 week holiday in Tenerife.

2004 June 5th holiday in Gran Canaria.

2005 May, holiday in Florida, went to see the Shuttle launch but it was posponed. Two weeks in Kissemee.
Visited Disney World and Kenedy Space Center.

2006 June 29th bought a bungalow on San Fermin Complex PDC.

2007 March 28th operation at Capio Hospital, Birmingham to remove my varicose veins.

2008 March holiday in Gran Canaria.
October holiday in Gran Canaria.

2009 May, holiday in florida, saw STS125 Atlantis take off, two weeks at International Drive(Parc Corniche)
swum with dolphins, and one week at Indian Shores (Sun King Condo’s) on the Gulf coast. Visited Busch
Gardens. Best holiday ever.
October 8th hernia operation.

2010 May, Holiday in Florida, saw STS132 Atlantis take off, two weeks at International Drive(Parc Corniche),
visited Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach. Went to Key Largo, visited the Everglades.
October Pauline goes to England for 2 weeks.

2011 June 14th had growth removed from elbow.
Pauline goes to England for 2 weeks.
August 25 day trip to Fuerteventura.
October 4th to 18th, holiday on my own in San Francisco & Las Vegas.
October 3rd flew to Birmingham, Stayed overnight in Ibis Hotel.
October 4th flew to Amsterdam, then on to San Francisco. Picked up rental car at airport.
Walked and cycled across the Golden Gate Bridge visited the Lick Observatory, the California Acadamy
of Technology, the Chabot Space Center, the Muir Redwood Park, Alcatraz. Rode the Cable Cars, paddled
in the Pacific Ocean.
October 14th flew to Las Vegas.
Went to the Grand Canyon West Rim, went to indian reservation and a cowboy ranch, walked the Skywalk.
Went to the Hoover Dam, walked across it and went down into the turbine room.
October 17 flew back to San Francisco Airport, spent the night sleeping in the airport.
October 18th flew to Amsterdam then on to Birmingham, Arrived October 19th, stayed overnight at the
Ibis hotel again.
October 20th flew home to Lanzarote.

2012 January Pauline goes to England for 4 weeks.
July 30th flew to England, stayed at Margaret’s. Sunday 12th August went by train to London, watched
Olympic Marathon, walked across the Millenium Bridge went on the London Eye. Tuesday the 14th August
flew back to Lanzarote.
October Pauline goes to England for 24 days.

2013 January 6th my second dog Rambo dies, he will leave a big hole in our lives, rest in peace my friend.
February 11th applied for English state pension.
March 16th 65th birthday, March 14th fly to Gran Canaria stayed in Hotel Reina Isabel flew back to
Lanzarote March 17th.
March 18th retirement/birthday party in Drago's.
March 26th first state pension payment.
April booked holiday in Florida for 21st May.
May 19th Pauline flew into Birmingham to stay with her mon for 9 days.
May 20th I flew into Manchester Airport, stayed the night at the Travel Lodge Hotel.
May 21st I flew from Manchester to Florida, picked up a hire car and drove to the Parc Corniche Hotel
at the bottom of International Drive near to Sea World.
May 22nd took helicopter flight over Orlando including Disney World.
May 23rd went to Kenedy Space Center took tour right up to Launch Pad 39A.
May 24th visited the CSI Experience.
May 26th visited Ripley's.
May 28th Pauline flew out to join me.
Visited Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Epcot also went on an air boat at Boggy Creek.
Friday 7th June drove over to the Gulf Coast for a week at Indian Shores. Whilst there visited
Busch Gardens and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see Winter the dolphin that was the star of the
the film A Dolphin Tale.
June 14th Flew back to Manchester airport.
June 15th Flew back to Lanzarote.
June 22th Met up with my cousin Kay from Hull in Yorkshire, had not seen her for maybe 40 years, it was
great to see her again.
June 29th Had meal with Kay and her Husband Keith.
July - Started planning and booking holiday in New York, Niagara Falls and Washington DC for May next
year.
August Holiday planned and booked leave Lanzarote May 1st return 15th May. Stay in New York untill
May 7th then drive to Niagara Falls, 11th May drive to Washington DC, 14th drive back to New York.
August Agreed a price to sell House in San Bartolome, will be moving back to Puerto del Carmen.
September 26th signed for sale of house in San Bartolome, moved to bungalow in Puerto Del Carmen.
December 23rd Pauline goes back to England for Christmas,on my own for Christmas and new year, not
even Rambo to keep me company this time.

2014 January 3rd Pauline returns to Lanzarote.
March 16th 66th birthday.
April 25 Ordered new Motorcycle.
May 1st flew to Dublin, stayed overnight at a hotel.
May 2nd flew to New York, JFK airport. Arrived in the afternoon went up to the top of the Empire
State Building, went to the United Nations Building.
May 3rd took subway to South Ferry, Took a trip in a helicopter over New York, walked over the
Brooklyn Bridge.
May 4th went to South Ferry again and caught the Ferry to Liberty Island, went up to the top of
the Statue of Liberty. Then went to the 9/11 Memorial.
May 5th went to the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, saw the Space Shuttle there.
May 6th visited the American Museum of Natural History, and visited Central Park.
May 7th drove halfway to Niagara Falls, stayed overnight at a motel.
May 8th drove rest of way to Niagara Falls.
May 9th took a helicopter ride over the falls.
May 10th walked over Rainbow Bridge, took Spike and Rambo with me.
May 11th drove halfway to Wahington DC, stayed overnight at a motel.
May 12 arrived in Washington DC, stayed 3 nights, visited Arlington Cemetary.
Also visited the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, FBI Building, the Smithsonian, Capital Hill,
Library of Congress and all the war memorials.
May 15th drove back to New York, spent afternoon in Central
May 16th flew back to Dublin, arriving in the morning of the 17th May.
May 17th flew back to Lanzarote.
May 20th collected motorcycle.
September 21st went to the Starmus Festival on Teneriffe, it consisted of a series of conferencies
with Stephen Hawking as principle speaker, plus Harold Kroto, John Ellis, Charlie Duke, Walt
Cunningham, Brian May, Richard Dawkins, Katrina Harvati and John Mather.
September 25th flew back to Lanzarote.
September 26th flew to UK for Margaret's 80th birthday.
September 30th took train to Manchester Airport then flew to Florida at 10-35am.
Arrived at MCO airport at 14-35 local time. Picked up hire car and drove to Parc Corniche Hotel,
International Drive.
October 2nd Visited Kenedy Space Center, spent all day there, saw Shuttle Atlantis.
October 4th Drove to Cocoa Beach, spent a few hours there.
October 7th Woody arrives after missing train connection at Crewe and then getting lost in Orlando
airport.
October 8th went on airboat ride for 1.5 hours, very good.
October 9th went to Universal Studios.
October 10th went to Sea World. October 14th drove to Miami, stayed 3 nights at the b2 hotel close
to the Port of Miami, we fount it to be expensive and twice people in shops tried to overcharge us,
bought food for 3 homeless people. Did a bus tour and spent one day on South Beach. October 17th went
on a cruise to the Bahama’s, felt a bit sea sick and vertigo was non too good but enjoyed it all the
same. Visited Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau was very poor once you left the dock area, Great
Stirrup Cay was a lovely island.
October 20th arrived back at Miami and after breakfast drove across Florida to Naples where we stayed
the night.
October 21st drove up the Gulf coast to Indian Shores and stayed a week at Sun King condo’s.
October 22nd visited the Clearwater Aquarium saw Winter the dolphin.
October 23rd went to St Pete Beach.
October 24th went to Busch Gardens, not as good as it used to be.
October 28th drove to MCO airport plane took off at 19-25 arrived Manchester Airport 05-30 the
following morning local time, went to hotel, Premier Inn (great place to stay) where we had breakfast.
October 30th flew back to lanzarote.

December 4th flew to Madrid, stayed one night at Hotel in Madrid.
December 5th flew to Dubai, arrived 00-15 6th December changed planes then flew to Adelade, arriving
at22-50 6th December.
December 7th picked up hire car from Adelaide airport at 16-00.
December 8th drove to Port Jervis saw kangaroos on the way caught ferry to Kangaroo Island, drove to
Stokes bay stayed 3 nights at Waves & Wildlife Cottages.
December 9th drove to Parndana to a Consevation Park stroked a Koala saw wallabys and emus. In the
afternoon went to Stokes Bay swimming and sunbathing.
December 10th rained all day and cold, went to Seal Bay, very good, also saw Admiral’s Arch and the
Remarkable Rocks. All the time we were here there were dozens of kangaroos around the bbungalow.
December 11th drove to Penneshaw and caught the ferry to Port Jervis, drove to Middleton stayed at the
Beach Huts, lovely place, lovely bungalow.
December 12th drove to Kingston, stayed at the Lobster Motel, nice little town, poor accomodation.
December 13th drove to Mt Gambier, stopped at Millicent on the way, very nice place. Visited the
Umpherston sinkhole.
December 14th drove to Camerdown, stayed at the Manifold Motel.
December 15th drove to Melbourne, stayed at the Hilton South Bank for five nights.
December 16th went to the top of the Eureka Tower, had lunch with Anita & Larraine, two young ladies
who I met 32 years ago whilst on holiday in Israel and Egypt. We had kept in touch over the years and
it was great to see them again.
December 17th went on the Puffing Billy Train Ride afterwards carried on to the Healsville Consevation
Park, then drove through the Yarra Valley.
December 18th went on the Great Ocean Road Trip, saw the 12 Apostles.
December 19th went for a walk around Melbourne docklands and CBD.
December 20th drove along Princes Highway stayed overnight at 503 Princes Drive.
December 21st drove to Lakes Entrance, lovely Place, stayed at the Sand Bar Motel for two nights.
December 22nd went to beach, (Lakes Entrance) hired pedalow, played mini golf.
December 23rd drove to Eden, realy lovely place. Stayed here for 3 nights.
December 24th went to Snug Cove and later to the beach for swim in sea.
December 25th went to beach for couple of hours, back at motel had swim in pool.
December 26th drove to Narooma, went for walk saw seals on the rocks at bay entrance, also saw Australia
Rock (a rock with a hole in it shaped like Australia. very nice place.
December 27th drove to Nowra, a place best forgotton I think, not nice at all.
December 28th drove to Sydney, dropped car off at airport got train to apartment $16-40 for a 5 min trip.
The apartment had a spa, suana and indoor pool.
December 29th went up the Sydney Tower Eye, went to Powerhouse Museum, in the afternoon walked to the
Bridge, walked across the Bridge and went to the top of one concrete support tower. great views.
December 30th visited ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, in the afternoon visited the Wildlife Park at Darling
Harbour. Sauna, spa, swim in the evening.
December 31st went to Hyde Park watched the 21-30 family fireworks, then walked up George St almost
right up to the Bridge watched the 22-40 fireworks and then the fireworks at midnight, had pretty good
view. Afterwards walked back to apartment and had a drink to celebrate the New Year.

2015 January 1st went to Bondi beach, it was great with the big surf, every bit as good as I expected.
January 2nd went for walk to Darling Harbour, had dinner there.
January 3rd flew to Ayers Rock via Alice Springs, not a very nice place , hot and dusty while we were
there it was not as hot as we thought it would be. Millions of flies bought net to go over our head much
better. Hotel room adequate.
January 4th up at 03-30 went on SunRise Tour, unfortunately it was a bit cloudy so not the best view,
but it was still awsome. Spent rest of day sunbathing and in the pool. In the evening the Astro Tour was
cancelled due to cloud.
January 5th drove to Ayers Rock on a Harly Davidson, first time on a Harley hopefully not the last.
January 6th flew to Cairns arrived at apartments 19-30, apartment small but ok. Did not realise it was
monsoon season so it was raining.
January 7th raining again, did laundry and stocked up on food. Had swim
in pool on roof.
January 8th went to Kuranda on Sky Rail 7.5 Km in a cable car, stopped off on way to look at rain forest,
it rained durring trip but stopped when we arrived. Visited Wildlife Park Pauline held a Koala, also
visited Bird Park. Very good.
January 9th went on boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef, spent the day on Green Island. pretty good.
January 10th went for walk along the boardwalk and then went to a Harley Davidson shop bought t-shirt
and a bandana.
January 11th went on bus to Port Douglas not impressed, on the way back saw hundreds of wallabies.
January 12th went for swim in lido by the beach.
January 13th flew to Christchurch (New Zealand) motel was good (big).
January 14th picked up hire car.
January 15th drove to Hokitika stayed for two nights. Nice place.
January 16th went to Hokitika Gorge, also the Tree Top walk (closed due to bad weather), it was raining
most of the day. In the evening went for walk through town.
January 17th being as it was a nice day went back to the Gorge and did the Tree Top walk. Then drove to
Haast for overnight stay, visited the Franze Joseph Glacier on the way and stopped at Bruce’s beach got
bit to death by sand flies.
January 18th drove to Queenstown, on the way visited the Blue Pools and stopped off at Wanaka. Great
apartment at Queenstown, had meal in bar very good.
January 19th had a rest day did some shopping.
January 20th went to Milford Sound by coach then cruised out to the ocean, great views all the way then
coach backto Queenstown.
January 21st drove to Omerama through the mountains once again great sceenery.
January 22nd drove to Timaru lovely drive.
January 23rd drove to Christchurch dropped luggage off at hotel then dropped car off got taxi back to
hotel.
January 24th went by train to Kaikura for whale watching, Pauline went on boat while I went whale
spotting by helicopter. Pauline saw 4 I saw 2 plus hundreds of dolphins.
January 25th went on train through mountains to Greymouth, then returned in the afternoon absolutely
breathtaking views.
January 26th went to Orana Wildlife Park, very good fed kangaroos and wallabies, there were also dingos
and koalas, we also went into the lion enclosure in a cage on wheels it was fantastic.
January 27th flew to Sydney then on to Perth for the last leg of our holiday, what a pity the place we
stayed at was the worst on the whole holiday.
January 28th drove to Rockingham spent time on the beach swam in the Indian Ocean. Then had coffee and
lunch, afterwards drove to Freemantle and had a walk round.
January 29th went by bus into Perth booked a trip on Captain Cooks trip to Freemantle, including a tram
tour of Freemantle and an open top bus tour of Perth.
January 30th went on the boat trip to Freemantle, also tour on tram.
January 31st went on open top bus tourspent a few hours in Kings Park had fish & chips for lunch.
Pauline left her camera on park bench, went back later on but no one had handed it in.
February 1st went back to Kings Park on way to beach, someone had handed in the camera. Carried on to
city beach went on beach swam in sea, had picnic.
February 2nd went to Wildlife Park north of Perth, fed the giraffes, saw koalas again and a lot of other
animals, water buffalo, farm animals, deer,ostrich, horses, monkeys had coffee & tea there was a
torrential downpour.
February 3rd had enough of the Leafy Courtyard Apartment packed up all of our things and headed north to
see the Pinacles, booked in hotel then drove to the Pinacles, fantastic formations, stayed the night at
a place called Lancelin, nice little place good hotel right by beach, had a 2 hour power cut in the
evening. Had a great meal in the restaurant by candle light, watched lightning after the meal, had good
night sleep, first in a week.
February 4th time to go home, drove down coast to Perth, on the way stopped off at the Gravity Center,
experiments and telescopes there, had coffee tea and cake. Drove to airport, plane took off at 22-10
for an 11 hour flight on a 777-300 very good plane.
February 5th landed at Dubai at 05-00 local time took off for Madrid at 07-30 landed at 12-30 local time.
had to wait till 21-45 to take off for Lanzarote arriving at 23-30 local time.
Februay 6th start planning for Las Vegas, Hawaii and Los Angeles holiday in September.

Februay 12th Pauline flies back to UK to visit her Mom.
March 8th Pauline returns home.

April 13th Vist fuerteventura for a weeks holiday, stayed down South at Morro Jable, toured the island.
April 20th Returned to Lanzarote.

May 11th Flew to Manchester stayed in premier Inn South, Runger Lane for 1 night.
May 12th Flew to Florida. Picked up hire car and drove to Parc Corniche, International Drive. Was put in
room 2108 on the ground floor, even though we had requested a top floor apartment, complaned to manager
they said they would change us next day.
May 13th Changed room to 1306, much better. Went for a ride on the Orlando Eye, it had broken down so our
ride was posponed from 10-00am to 11-00am it was worth the wait, it was very good.
- also visited the Sea Life aquarium, at the same place.
May 14th Had breakfast then booked trips for Sea World & Universal studios. Went shopping at the premium
outlets, then swiming and sunbathing in the afternoon.
May 15th spent all day at Sea World.
May 16th Went shopping at WalMart in the morning, swimming and sun bathing in the afternoon. In the
evening went to Kissemee for a meal at the Ponderosa, then took a walk down Old Town. There was a parade
of old cars along the main street.
May 17th Easy day swimming and sunbathing.
May 18th Went to Universal and Islands of Adventure, Simpsons Ride, MIB, Transformers, Harry Potter etc.
In the evening I sliped and fell in the bath while taking a shower, ended up with two very large lumps
on head and also cut where I struck side of bath. Had to go to hospital for treatment and a scan,
fortunately everything was o.k. and insurance are paying for treatment. Had headache for more than a week.
May 19th Went for a walk up International Drive went in Harley Davidson shop bought new T-shirt.
May 20th Drove to the Kenedy Space Center, went straight to the Saturn V launch center, rocket took off
at 11-05, had a look round KSC bought T-shirt, visited the Astronauts Hall of Fame, then went home.
May 21st Woody went to Sea World whilst I did some shopping and sunbathing.
May 22nd Went to Daytona Beach for the day.
May 23rd Easy day shopping, sunbathing, swimming, eating.
May 24th Another easy day, watched Hull v ManUtd (0-0).
May 25th Went to Wild Florida for the day, did 1 hour ride on airboat, saw lots of animals there. Whilst
we were there just after our boat ride there was a torrential downpour.
May 26th Left Parc Cornche and drove to Palm Beach via Cocoa Beach.
May 27th Drove to Marathon on the Keys stayed at the White Sands Inn (very good great view) nice pool.
May 28th Drove to Key West, went to Southern most point of USA, took train ride around streets, very
bumpy not worth the money got off half way. Parking was $30-00 for a day, had meal at Wendy’s, got home
about 7pm.
May 29th Went on helicoptor flight over Keys, went over the 7 mile bridge saw bull nosed sharks. After
helicopter went to Sombrero Beach for a couple of hours, it was very good. went for a drink at the start
of the 7 mile bridge, saw some very large geko’s.
May 30th Drove back to Miami stayed at Comfort Suites in Kendal.
May 31st Drove through the Everglades to Fort Myers stayed at The Holiday Inn Express there. Had swim in
pool very nice and roomy place.
June 1st Drove to Indian Shores. Woody’s crown was loose so stopped off at dentist they x-rayed it and
said stud was broken best to leave till we get home. Checked in to Sea Club Resort apartment very large
(80 m2) lovely view of river, lovely pool, the only problem was dirty cuttlery and plates and glasses.
June 2nd Rained most of the day so did laundry and shopped for food etc.
June 3rd Went to beach and swam in sea, later had swim in pool and sunbathed by pool. Woody’s crown came
out.
June 4th Went back to dentist they refixed old crown as a temporary fix. Went to the Pub for evening meal.
June 5th St Pete Beach for most of the day, shopped for food at Publix.
June 6th Flea market followed by beach.
June 7th Beach followed by washing.
June 8th Drove to airport, dropped car off, plane took of on time.
June 9th Landed at 05-35 at Manchester, had coffee and snack. Caught train to Margaret’s.
June 10th Had eye test at Boots. Ordered new glasses.
June 12th Fly back to Lanzarote.
June 21st Woody flys home.

Las Vegas, Hawaii and Los Angeles
September 14th Took plane to Manchester, stayed overnight at hotel.
September 15th Plane to Las Vegas landed at 12-05 local time. Picked up car. Stayed at Desert Rose Resort
for 7 nights.
September 16th Walked to “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, visited Harley Davidson shop, booked bus trip down
the strip. In the evening did bus trip – very poor.
September 17th Picked up at 06-15 for trip to the Grand Canyon, visited the Hoover Dam on the way. At
the Grand Canyon I went on helicopter ride into the Canyon while Pauline visited other sites and did the
Sky Walk. After the helicopter flight I did the Sky Walk. Got back to the hotel at 18-30, went shopping
at Walmart for food.
September 18th Pauline’s birthday drove to Death Valley, visited Uhebebe Crater formed by a steam
explosion, climbed down to the crater floor. Visited Stove Pipe Wells, Mosaic Canyon, and Furnace Creck.
Saw a Coyote at side of road. Stayed at death Valley overnight.
September 19th Went to Badwater in Death Valley – lowest point on Earth 282 feet below sea level. then
went to Red Rock Canyon and back to hotel.
September 20th Went to Fremont Street, Circus Circus, Ceasers palace and saw the fountains at the Balagio
Hotel.
September 21st Walked up the main drag, had coffee at the Hard Rock Café.
September 22nd Returned hire car, flew to Ohau (Honolulu Airport) collected hire car and drove to Laie,
stayed at Bath Tub Bay – great location but property in need of complete overall.
September 23rd Had a drive up north to Turtle Bay, loads of turtles there. Visited Park and waterfall.
September 24th I had a head cold so stayed at accomodation reading and listening to music. In the evening
Woody went to Polynesian night.
September 25th went to Banzai Beach – no big waves though. There is a tropical storm closing in on the
islands – so weather is poor.
September 26th Drove to airport, dropped car off, got taxi to hotel Luana Waikiki, they put us on 1st
floor even though I requested as high as possible when I booked. Taxi ($40-00 for 8miles.) Very expensive
a steak starts at $40-00 up to $88-00.
September 27th Hotel gave us a room on the 7th floor. Went to beach and explored shops.
September 28th Went on trip to Pearl Harbour went on board the Battleship USS Missouri, the last
battleship ever commissioned by the United States Navy, and the one which the Japanese Empire signed the
surrender document on at the end of WWII. Also saw the USS Arizona Memorial. In the afternoon went for
a walk around Waikiki.
September 29th Spent the day on the beach in the evening went to a Rock Legends Show.
September 30th Flew to Big island, Kona airport, picked up hire car and drove over to the Volcanic side
of the island stayed at Sandra’s Vacation Resort.
October 1st Drove to Kilauea volcano, saw the steam rising out of the caldera, then went to Pu’u Oo which
is still spewing out lava saw the lava flows.
October 2nd Visited rainbow Falls at Hilo, also had walk round Hilo which seemed pretty poor. Visited the
Tsunami Center, Apparently Hawaii has been hit by quite a few Tsunami’s.
October 3rd Drove over to Kona checked into apartment which was not very clean and very damp, had to
defrost fridge again. Kitchen and bathroom very small.
October 4th Went for walk, had morning coffee, did our washing, had swim in pool. At 14-30 met bus for
trip to top of Mauna Kea to visit the observatory’s there. After seeing the observatorys watched sunset
then set up Celestion 11 inch scope for some observing, absolutely great mainly because of such clear
skys and great guides to help you. Quite possibly the best organised trip I have ever been on.
October 5th Went for walk early morning, then drove to beach by Kona airport, not much of a beach, saw
some turtles. Booked helicopter for tomorrow flying over volcanoes. Pool again in afternoon.
October 6th Drove to helicopter base for 9-30 flight, but flight cancelled due to bad weather.
Rescheduled for 14-30 this afternoon, unfortunately cancelled again due to tropical storm brewing. Storm
hit and had mini tornado hit us, tree fell on to electic cables, power out for half of town, fortunately
not us.
October 7th Returned car to airport then flew to Los Angeles, collected hire car and drove to hotel,
Su Casa at Venice Beach arriving at about half past midnight.
October 8th Up at 07-00 walked to local shop for milk etc. Walked along boardwalk in the morning then
beach in the afternoon. Absolutely great beach but rip tides and big waves made swimming precarious.
October 9th Took a trip round Los Angeles today, visited Hollywood, Beverly Hills the walk of Fame
(the stars on the footpath) and the hand and foot marks in cement. Also Griffith Park and the Griffith
Observatory.
October 10th Went back to Griffith Observatory in the morning, then carried on to Malibu Beach for the
afternoon. Had lunch at the Jack in the Box.
October 11th Spent most of the day on the beach followed by a walk along the boardwalk.
October 12th Another day on the beach and boardwalk.
October 13th Beach and boardwalk again.
October 14th Started trip home – up at 3-30am drove to L.A. airport dropped car off – flew to Las Vegas.
Waited in airport lounge for connection then flew to Manchester arriving there at 07-25am on the 15th.
October 15th Landed 07-25 had coffee then caught train to New Street station and took a taxi to
Margaret’s.
October 19th flew to Lanzarote.

2016. February 11th flew to London to see The Who at the Wembley Arena.

May 29th Fly to Manchester. Stay night in Holiday Inn Express.
May 30th Fly to Los Angeles. Stay night in Wyngate Hotel By airport.
May 31st Picked up the Harley at12-30, driving through L.A. only covered 50 miles (80 Km) in the
first 4 ˝ hours. Arrived at hotel in Barstow at 20-15 total mileage for the day 168 (270 Km).
Another 3200 miles to do if all goes well.
June 1st Up at 05-00, (300 C or 850 F) officials made an official heat warning telling people to
stay out of the sun as the temp rose to (440 C or 1120 F) left hotel at 06-30, went to Calico
Ghost Town visited Bagdad Café, Roy’s Café, Needles and Oatman, went through the Sitgreaves Pass
(1077 meters), then on to Kingman. Total mileage for day 262 (420 Km) total miles so far for trip
430 (690 Km).
June 2nd After leaving hotel at 08-00 went to Keepers of the Wild, then went to the Road Kill Café
at Seligman for a bite to eat, then on to Sunset Volcano at Flagstaff. Milage for day 217(347 Km)
total miles for trip 647 (1035 Km).
June 3rd Left at 08-00 for Monument Valley 4 hour ride, spent 2hours there then rode back to my
hotel. Total milage for day 353 (565 Km) total miles so far 1000 (1600 Km).
June 4th Left Hotel at 09-00 Went to Meteor Crater spent 2 hours there. Saw the Wig Wam Hotel, also
drove through the Petrified Forrest. Milage for day 216 (345 Km) total miles for journey 1216
(1945 Km).
June 5th Easy day left at 10-30. Visited El Malpais National Park. Milage for the day 131 (210 Km)
total miles for journey 1347 (2155 Km).
June 6th Went to see giant stone rattlesnake in Albuquerque, then rode to to Santa Fe and on to Los
Alamos, stayed there for a couple of hours. Then rode to Moriarty for overnight stop. Milage for day
272 (435 Km) total miles for journey 1619 (2590 Km).
June 7th Visited animal sanctuary, then halfway café, crossed the New Mexico/Texas border, then on
to Vega for the night. Miles for day 244 (390 Km) total miles for journey 1863 (2980 Km).
June 8th Visited Palo Duro Canyon, Mclean, Cadilac ranch. Then on to Shamrock. Miles for day 226
(362 Km) total miles for journey 2089 (3342 Km).
June 9th Shamrock to El Reno. Stopped off at a couple of Route 66 Museums. Total miles for today 158
(247 Km) total miles for journey 2247 (3589 Km)
June 10th El Reno to Glenpool (Tulsa). Rode into Oklahoma City, visited the memorial for the 168
people who lost their lives in the 1995 bombing. Saw the Big Red Barn, and giant Bottle. Miles for
today 164 (262 Km) total for journey 2411 (3857 Km)
June 11th Glenpool (Tulsa) to Joplin, rode to Catoosa to see the big Blue Whale, then on to Baxter
Springs to see the Rainbow Bridge there, well known in the hey days of Route 66. Total miles for
today 153 (245) total miles for journey 2564 (4102 Km).
June 12th Joplin to St Robert just riding Route 66 nothing more. Miles for today 174 (278) total
miles for journey 2738 (4380 Km).
June 13th Went to Fanning to see the worlds biggest rocking chair, then on to Meramec Caverns. Miles
for today 107 (171 Km) total miles for journey 2845 (4552 Km)
June 14th Rode to St Louis, went up the Gateway Arch, 630 ft high (192 mts), then went to see the
Chain of Rocks Bridge. Miles for today 143 (229 Km) total miles for journey 2998 (4797 Km).
June 15th Rode to Manteno Il, went to Pesident Lincoln’s House in Springfield, giant man at Atlanta,
murials and Route 66 Museum at Pontiac. Miles for the day 250 (400 Km) total miles for journey 3238
(5180 Km).
June 16th Last day, went to see the Launching Pad Café now closed, and the Giant Man with rocket.
Dropped bike off at Eaglerider by Chicago O’Hare airport. Miles today 82 (131 Km). Total miles for
whole journey 3320 (5312 Km)
June 17th Visited the Adler Planetarium in Chicago today best I have ever seen. Saw part of the
meteorite that created Meteor Crater in Arizona, also the railway that runs above the streets in
Chicago.
June 18th Visited the Museum of Science & Industry best interactive museum I have ever seen.
June 19th Flew to Boston, caught bus to South Station then walked to hotel, Clarendon Residencies.
Walked to park sat in sun for a couple of hours.
June 20th Visited the Science Museum, very good. Toured city on duck, World War II landing craft
that takes you around the streets of Boston and also on the river.
June 21st Went for a walk round part of the Freedom Trail, also walked along the seafront.
June 22nd Went to the Boston Red Sox Stadium, also went up the top of the Prudential Tower and went
to the finish line of the Boston Marathon where 3 people lost their lives in the 2013 bombing.
June 23rd Had a walk along the river bank and fed the birds.
June 24th Flew from Boston to Manchester arrived at 06-15 the next day 25th .
June 25th After an eight hour wait flew to Lanzarote, arriving at 20-40.
June 26th Flew to Tenerife for the Starmus Event, a series of conferencies with Professor Steven
Hawking as special guest speaker, and a multitude of Nobel Laureates.

2017 March 14th Flew into Leeds/Bradford airport, booked in IBIS hotel Leeds Central.
March 16th Hawkwind concert at The Refectory Leeds University – very good.
March 18th Flew back to Lanzarote.

May 11th Flew to Manchester, stayed overnight at Premier Inn.
May 12th Flew Manchester to Orlando, Florida. Picked up car rental, drove to Parc Corniche.
May 13th Went shopping during the day, followed by a swim in the pool. In the evening went for a meal at
the Ponderosa in Kissemee then had a walk through the old town.
May 14th Did some more shopping at the outlets, had coffee & cake then had an easy afternoon.
May 15th Went to Kenedy Space Center for the day.
May 16th Easy day, shopping, coffee & cake, geocashing, sunbathing & pool.
May 17th Drove to Mount Dora, went for a boat trip on the lake (very good).
May 18th Drove to Gainesville, visited the Silver Springs Park, took a glass bottom boat trip.
May 19th Left Gainesville and went to Elephant Ranch (Two Tails Ranch) then went on to St Augustine where
we took a trolley tour round the city (very good). Then we drove up the coast to Jacksonville staying on
the east side at Neptune Beach.
May 20th Drove to Amelia Island (Fernandino Beach) for the day. Very nice there. In the evening swam in
pool.
May 21st Drove to Jacksonville Zoo, spent a few hours there. Next drove to MacClenny – Motel 6, very
good, internet good and a pool.
May 22nd Drove to Tallahassee, stopped off at Madison on the way for a coffee, in the evening had a meal
at McDonalds.
May 23rd Went on a guided tour of Tallahassee should have been on a golf cart but woman turned up in a
car instead – very dissappointed, poor tour. In the afternoon went to see an IMAX film.
May 24th Thunderstorms in Tallahassee as we leave, torrential rain on drive to Pensacola. Gave Florida
Caverns a miss. Checked in hotel (Days Inn) then found a geocache and had a walk downtown, talked to a
guy with a Harley Davidson.
May 25th After breakfast went to main Pensacola beach, great beach and waves. Also drove down coast a bit
lovely drive through the sand dunes.
May 26th Drove into Alabama, stopped off for ice cream at a place called Foley, then visited National
Navel Aviation Museum, it was very very good.
May 27th Drove down the coast to St George Island. Beautiful place lovely beach.
May 28th Carried on down the Gulf Coast to Chiefland, visited Manatee Springs State Park, saw some
manatee. Hotel and pool were good.
May 29th Drove to Maderia Beach checked into adults only resort, very good room on top floor overlooking
the beach. Great beach sun beds and shades were very good and reasonable price.
May 30th Shopping and beach.
May 31st Beach and sea for swim first, then a walk to Toms Boardwalk looked round shops and had an ice
cream. In the evening went to The Pub for a meal, very good as usual.
June 1st Beach and sea.
June 2nd Beach and sea
June 3rd Beach and sea, in the evening The Pub for a meal excellent again.
June 4th Raining in the morning, watched Triathlon, did washing, in the afternoon went geocashing in a dog park. Later beach and sea. Must come back here again.
June 5th Drove car back to Budget in Tampa, had coffee & cake, guy from Budget drove us to the train
station. Caught the 17-27 Amtrak Silver Star train number 92 to New York, we had a sleeper cabin but did
not get to much sleep with the noise and the rocking motion.
June 6th Arrived, after a couple of delays at Penn Station at 21-20 took a taxi to the Milburn Hotel.
June 7th Went to the top of the Empire State Building, then to Macey’s for some shopping. After went to
Times Square had coffee then on to Trump Tower. Later went to see the John Lenon Memorial in Central Park
and the Dakota Apartments where he used to live.
June 8th Spent morning in Central Park in the afternoon did an open top bus ride. In the evening went to
The Broadway Theatre on Broadway to see Miss Saigon.
June 9th Subway to South Ferry then ferry to Liberty Island went to the top of the Statue of Liberty into
the crown. Then on to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, spent 3 hours in the museum still did not see all of
it, subway back to hotel.
June 10th Packed and stored cases, went to Central Park, then at 16-00 took a taxi to the airport. Took
off on time 22-00.
June 11th Landed 09-30, I got a taxi to hotel managed to get a room straight away.
June 12th Took a taxi to Old Trafford, had tea and cake in The Red Café before going round the Manchester
United Museum. Had photo’s taken then went on the tour of the Stadium at 14-00. Left about 17-00 taxi
back to hotel.
June 13th Flew back to Lanzarote arrived at 22-35.

June 29th Flew into Gatwick.
June 30th Blondie, Phil Collins, Mike & The Mechanics concert at Hyde Park 14-00 to 22-30.
July 1st Status Quo, Royal Albert Hall, great show, Royal Albert Hall is fantastic for concerts.
July 2nd Flew back to Lanzarote.

July 8th Flew into Tenerife, went to Aerosmith concert, great show.
July 9th Flew back to Lanzarote.

August 16th Flew into Dublin, stayed overnight at Premier Inn.
August 17th Flew Dublin to Orlando, Florida. Picked up rental car, drove to Daytona.
August 18th Drove from Daytona to Savannah, stayed 1 night.
August 19th Drove from Savannah to Moncks Corner, stayed 4 nights.
August 21st Cloudy and rain forecast so drove north west on I-26 covered 150 miles stopped at rest area
to watch Total Eclipse. Just as the eclipse was due to start the police tried to move us on, there must
have been about 100 of us altogether about a half moved on but I and some other refused to budge in the
end the order to move was recinded. We had a very good view for 98% of the time clouds moved across twice
but only blocked the view for about a short while. Fantastic experience.
August 23rd Drove from Moncks Corner to Daytona stayed for 1 night.
August 24th Drove to International Drive, went to the Outlet Stores had coffee & cake then dropped car
off at the airport. Flew back to Dublin at 20-30.
August 25th Landed at Dublin 09-30 had something to eat & drink then caught plane to Lanzarote at 15-10,
landed at 19-25. Taxi to apartment.

To do :

Sometime own a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

2018 Football match in England, cricket match, Tour de France.

I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me
will continue. But much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions
that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is anything more than wishful thinking. The
world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty
stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death
in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.

Life is but a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many
dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy.

Carl Sagan.

Home page.