There's A Feeling I Get When I Look to the WEST

and my spirit is crying for leaving.

In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
and the voices of those who stand looking.

And it makes me wonder!

Minneapolis Flag



Minneapolis Seal

It will be a bit of a 'westerly' migration for me to day as I fly KLM to the USA, destination Minneapolis, (nicknamed the 'City of Lakes') the largest city in the State of Minnesota and the 48th biggest in America. This is the springboard for what will be nearly 3 weeks of 'State hopping', mainly on the Greyhound Bus Network and a chance to take what comes along while visiting a number of States not seen before. Having already covered 32 of the 50, it would be a shame not to do the rest?

I'll be looking for Internet access on the way, hoping to keep a continuous diary, so hope to be in touch with the readership again soon. In the mean time here is part II of the Kingfisher series.

And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune
then the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter

Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin

The second in the Kingfishers of the World series.

New Zealand Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher - sub-Saharan Africa & Asia.

Ringed Kingfisher - Southern USA plus Central & South America.

Sacred Kingfisher - Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands.

Stork-billed Kingfisher - Southern Asia.

White-throated or Smyrna Kingfisher - Eurasia.

Woodland Kingfisher - sub Saharan Africa.

and what a fantastic milestone, as today we welcome the 100th country / region to our readership. Puerto Rico brought up the 99th participant and now Azerbaijan brings up 'the ton'. Welcome to one and all and PLEASE pass on this link to everyone on your e-mail address list or write it out for all your friends and families, it's good to welcome you all!