Greenygrey Rambles now Published

The ebook of this blog is now available by clicking on the BUY NOW button at www.greenygrey.co.uk/blog

It's been edited into chronological order, with chapters, photos and professional formatting to make it look as pretty as a greenygrey!

It also has analysis from Dr. Marc Latham to explain the acronyms and make them more memorable, so that you should know the North American regions better than when you started. Hopefully you'll be able to remember them all, but I can't promise you will!

There's over 70 pages, just under 20,000 words, and it's 90p (about $1-50) to download. You'll need an Adobe Reader, which is free to download from the Adobe site, and a paypal account, which is also free to set up.

So I hope you'll think it's a good deal, and thoroughly enjoy virtually travelling with GG.

Cheers!

Stop Press: Greenygrey agrees publishing deal

*Stop Press* *News Flash* Greenygrey agrees to publish blog with www.greenygrey.co.uk

Yes, exciting news as the Greenygrey nears the end of its journey. Following lengthy and complicated discussions it has agreed to publish the journey blogs you've come to love over the year with the greenygrey website, and has brought in renowned self-proclaimed genius and freelance writer, Dr. Marc Latham, to edit the book.

The greenygrey said he was delighted at the outcome from the negotiations, and now just wanted to get on with finishing off its epic journey without any more distractions: 'Yeh, it's not my cup of tea really, and some of the time it got a bit gruelling. I'm definitely ready for the open roads and some nature now, and can't wait to get in some shapeshifting and time travel too if possible. I think Dr. Marc Latham is the man for the job, and I have every confidence in his ability.'

Dr. Marc Latham proclaimed it a dream job, and one he's been waiting all his career for: 'It's the break I've been waiting for, to edit the book of such a virtual travelling legend is what I've been breaking my back for over the years. For me, it's the big one, and I just hope I can do the project justice.'

We shall have to wait and see how it pans out. Watch this space.

Dale Aware in Delaware

PMD 3: Delaware

As I crossed into Delaware I still felt merry from my travel through Maryland; this was added to by the fact that I'd reached my last state: the final stop on my epic North American journey. Ironically, my last US state, Delaware, is often referred to as the First State, as it was the first to ratify the constitution.

After heading across the north of Delaware I met a couple of strange looking creatures at the Brandywine River, and they introduced themselves as Frodo and Sam. They said they were hobbits, and funnily enough they were also finishing an epic journey, although theirs sounded even more exciting than mine, and much more dangerous. We walked down to the dales together, and the glowing lime green colours reminded me of somewhere else from my past; somewhere buried deep in my mind. I became dale aware in Delaware.

After bidding the hobbits farewell at the shire, I made my way down to Dover, which also gave me a feeling of deja-vu, and my past seemed to be reawakening; it wasn't that I'd been there before, it was the name.

From there I travelled to Milford, which had a nice sound, before ending my trek through Delaware at Cape Henlopen. A Fighting Blue Hen greeted me there, and said that normally it challenges visitors to a brawl, but it had decided to greet me in peace. I said thanks, and being a veggie werewolf I won't eat you. This reciprocation of goodwill seemed to go down well, and we got on like a henhouse on fire after that.

As we had a few glasses of speckled hen I reminisced about my epic journey; all the creatures I'd met, adventures had, tasty acronyms and beautiful views experienced. And now I seemed to be becoming aware of my past more than ever before. Would more travelling lead to further revelations? How many more roads must I travel? Only time will tell, and for now I sat back and enjoyed the feeling of journey's end, as the last rays of sunlight fell over the Delaware Bay.

Merry land in Maryland

PMD2= Maryland



I woke up in the morning with Lake Erie not feeling so eerie in the daylight. However, I found myself on the wrong side of the state for my next destination: Maryland. So I quickly shape-shifted into an eagle and flew over the state and border, before landing in Hagerstown, in the north-west of Maryland. I was met by a merry viking called Hager the Honourable, and he provided me with a tasty veggie brekkie. We supped some ale with the chow, and it became a merry occasion.

After thanking Hager and bidding him farewell I swam down the Potomac River, which was full of fish swimming merrily-on-high. I got down to Rockville by lunch-time, and was just in time for a great concert featuring Guns n' Roses, Blondie, Aerosmith, Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones and the Runaways, so I was soon rocking merrily away.

Then I headed over to Bowie, where I met a Spider from Mars called Ziggy. I asked him why Maryland was such a merry land, and he said it did help that it was the richest state in the US. His Beatle mate said but money don't buy you love.

Then I sprang over to Silver Spring, where my grey side felt at home, before heading up to Baltimore. I had a variety of Indian dishes in a nice restaurant there, and when the merry waiter asked if I would like anything else, I just had to say more Balti please. More balti in Baltimore! What a wit I can be at times!!

Then I went down to Annapolis, where I received a police escort from a merry officer called Anna to the Chesapeake Bay. She was willing to take me over the bridge, but I fancied a swim, and with the Chesapeake such a famous landmark, I thought it fitting to get in the drink, and give my greenygrey fur a bit of a wash.

I enjoyed it so much I swam right out of the bay, and up the ocean to Ocean City, where I rested up for the night. I felt so merry!

Thanks for joining me in Maryland, and please return for the conclusion of my epic North American next week in Delaware (virtually rather than physically!).

Pencil Vainier in Pennsylvania

PMD 1: Pennsylvania

The beginning of my last acronym; after months of virtual travelling and too many acronyms than I care to remember, here I was, crossing the border into my last one.

I made good progress in the morning, and found myself on Loyalsock Creek by lunchtime. It was nice and greenygrey there, so I felt at home, and enjoyed a nice little dip to refresh myself. My greenygrey coat was very appreciative.



While I was drying myself off a sock and a pencil approached me, and we entered into a nice conflab about this and that. We started talking about old wars, and how smartly dressed soldiers were often as patriotic as they were resplendent. I asked if it was similar for their kind. They agreed that socks are more loyal, while the pencil's vainier.

I thoroughly enjoyed our chat, and after saying chow I went to get some in the nearby town of Williamsport. I thought there might be lots of people called William playing games there, but I didn't see any. I didn't mind, even greenygreys get it wrong sometimes!

After that I headed west. My meeting with the pencil and the sock must have gone to my head, as I went out for a few beers with da boys in Du Boise, got oiled in Oil City, and had some mead in Meadville before sleeping it all off on the shores of Lake Erie. As usual at Lake Erie, I felt a bit eerie there, but this time it might have been because my head was spinning!

Con Etiquette in Connecticut

MR.C 3= Connecticut

Crossing into Connecticut I headed down to Lake Candlewood for a morning dip, and enjoyed it apart from the sticky goo floating on the surface; it got on my wick a bit.

I headed north-east after that, and called in at Waterbury for a bit of a rinse, before heading up to New Britain for tea and crumpets.

Energised from some good buttered crumpets and strong cream tea I headed up to Connecticut's biggest city, Hartford, in super fast time. I saw that the Hartford Wolf Pack was playing Worcester Sharks in an American Hockey League ice-hockey game that night, so bought a ticket and had some supper before going to the game.



As I arrived at the stadium a rough looking shark pushed into me before trying to sell me a dodgy looking ticket. I told it I already had a ticket and it should learn some con etiquette.

I really enjoyed the game, and especially as the Wolf Pack beat the Sharks in a close and good-natured game, although the Sharks did get a bit snappy at times.

It was night-time when the game finished, but I made my way over to the Connecticut River and swam south to the Long Island Sound. I surfaced in Old Lyme, where my greeny side felt very much at home. Even my grey side was quite limey by the time I entered open sea in the Sound. This came in handy when I ended up in Greenwich, and fitted in just perfectly. I slept well.

Rowed I land in Rhode Island

Mr.C 2: Rhode Island

Leaving Massachusetts with my chewers intact, I headed down to Prudence Island. It was nice and sunny when I arrived, and I spent a chilling morning relaxing on the beach.

However, a storm brewed up just before lunch, and my prudent decision to buy a canoe and oars was vindicated. So I pushed it out to sea, and paddled up the Narragansett Bay for an hour or two, until the city of Providence was in sight. Just as I was about to reach the harbour a dream I'd had the night before came back into my head, with the thought of me telling myself 'Rowed, I land', and then a few minutes later I rowed my last, and landed.

Once back on terra firma I headed into the city, and to keep my grey side quiet I travelled back to the nineteenth century to watch the Providence Grays win the first World Championship in baseball history in 1884. Those were some celebrations.

After that I travelled back to the modern age and travelled up to Pawtucket, where I gave my paws a well-earned rest with a paw spa before tucking in to some tea.

Then I travelled west, with my revitalised paws carrying me at lightning speeds. I headed up Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island's highest point, and camped there for the night. It's a beautiful place, but most of the good spots had already been taken by towel-wielding bugs.

Mass o' Chew Sets in Massachusetts

MR.C 1: Massachusetts

Having made a diversion from my original plans by travelling to N2 instead of MR.C I now had to get myself back on track, with no land border between New Jersey and Massachusetts.

So I shape-shifted into a buzzard and flew up to Lowell; I chose a buzzard as I knew I'd be passing through Buzzards Bay air space, and didn't want to ruffle the buzzards' feathers so to speak. The buzzards were glad to see me, and gave me an escort through their territory. I appreciated their hospitality, and their company broke up the flight.

After landing in 1940s Lowell I visited the childhood home of my favourite author, Jack Kerouac, whose travel narratives influenced my rambles. We had a bit of a chat and a beer, and entered into a conversation about writing and travelling experiences and tips. I don't think my advice really influenced his later writing, but I like to think my support gave him some inspiration.

Leaving Lowell I time-travelled back into the 21st century, and nearly got knocked down by a fast modern automobile. I got back into the swing of the new age after that, and made it down to Boston in time for tea.

I bit into something a bit tough while eating, and thought I might need some false teeth for a while. I asked a passing leprachaun if he knew where there might be a dentist, and he said there was one with a mass o' chew sets around the corner. I thanked him, and set off for it, but by the time I arrived the pain had passed, and my need for new chewers had passed.

I fancied a swim after the flight and run, so I shape-shifted into a cod and swam down Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound, which was quite noisy. Then I met up with the buzzards again, and we finished the day off drinking wine in Martha's Vineyard. We toasted Massachusetts and Kerouac, and wished each other good times on the road and in the air.

New Jersey in New Jersey

N2 2: New Jersey

I crossed from New York State into New Jersey over the George Washington Bridge, and had a cranberry breakfast.

Then I hiked up high to High Point, where my greenygrey fur was uncharacteristically unable to keep out the cold. So I bought a nice new jersey at a stall selling second-hand merchandise: it was a Bon Jovi jersey from their 'Slippery When Wet' tour. Yes, that was a great album, and there have been many fine songs from the New Jerseyians; in fact, I often sing 'Wanted Dead or Alive' when I'm travelling through hunting grounds!

Then I made my way over to Camp Glen Gray, where my grey side had a good time, before heading into the city. Jersey City was great, and I saw Bruce Springsteen play at the Asbury. I mingled in the crowd with other celebrities, like Patti Smith and Lauryn Hill.

As I was leaving the club a little worse for wear a strange creature appeared, looking like a winged horse. It said it was the Jersey Devil, and asked what I was doing in its neighbourhood. I said I was just passing through, but it wasn't happy with my presence, which was probably down to me being a much nicer looking mythological creature. Anyway, I said I was in a bit of a rush, as I had more states to visit, and gave it my Bon Jovi jersey as a goodwill offering, before bidding farewell and legging it.

I paid homage to the Lenni Lenape culture's wolf clan as I left the city, and then headed out to the countryside again. I travelled through New Brunswick, which reminded me of my Canadian travels, before swimming and eating in the Great Egg Harbour River.

I ended the day in Salem, where I thought I'd had my lot, as there were vampires and witches all over the shop. Not the kind of thing a respectable vegetarian werewolf needs after a hard day's hoboing. I managed to get some sleep after letting out an almighty howl that even shocked myself.

New Yorkie in New York

N2 1: New York (State)

Leaving Vermont I crossed into New York and headed up into the Adirondack Mountains, passing Lake Placid on the way. You'll never believe this, but it looked very placid, although there wasn't as much water as I'd expected!

There was a drop more at Saratoga Springs, and I had a good bathe and swim, before a spot of brekkie. I was joined by a New York Giant there, and he introduced himself as Bill Purcell; he must have stood forty feet tall. He asked me if I wanted a chocolate bar, and I said depends what type, as I'm not really a big chockie fan. He brought out this bar that I didn't recognise, and I enquired as to its make. He said it's a Yorkie, and I said it doesn't look like the Yorkie I know and love, but he said that it was a new yorkie, that comes in chunks. I said thanks, but I think I'll stick to my fruit and veg, as I still had a lot of travelling to do that day.

After bidding farewell to Bill I headed down into the Catskill Mountains. I ran up Slide Mountain, and then slid down the other side, which was immense fun; I was glad I hadn't eaten Bill's new yorkie as it might have come up again!

Then I came across a cat who introduced itself as Molly the Moggie. It seemed to be a very precocious feline, and said it had many skills. So I shape-shifted into a cat, and we played with a ball of wool, climbed trees and lazed around. I must say that Molly was very skilled at these, but I was better at unravelling a ball of wool, although my technique was apparently unorthodox.

After bidding Molly au revoir I continued south-east, until reaching New York City; this guy called Joey wanted to play conkers in Yonkers, so I gave him a game, and beat him. His friends weren't too happy, so I bought them a coffee in a cafe called Central Perk. I had a nice chat and a good laugh with his charming friends, and after they got over Joey's conkers defeat they put me up in their flats.

Very Mount in Vermont

MNV 3: Vermont

Crossing into Vermont I headed straight up into the Green Mountains, and started singing the state song: 'These Green Mountains'. Well, I did add 'ygrey' onto the Green if I'm telling the truth, as I didn't see another soul all morning, and could imagine it was just me and the mountains.

Then I swam down the Winooski River to Lake Champlain, where I lunched by the waterside, and enjoyed a nice cooling post-meal dip in the clear water.

Then it was back up into the Green Mountains, and I started heading south towards New York. Along the trail I came across a greenybrown creature, which was hiking in the other direction. It introduced itself as Nigela the Northern Leopard Frog, and we entered into a lengthy conversation. It asked where I'd been in Vermont, and I told it, saying the Green Mountains had kept me in the mountains a lot, so it had been a very mount journey through Vermont.

After bidding farewell to Nigela, I made my edged along the outskirts of Rutland to avoid the rutting stags, and made it to New York state by nightfall. I still had 'These Greenygrey Mountains' in my head before dropping off to sleep.

New Hemp Sure in New Hampshire

MNV 2= New Hampshire

Crossing into New Hampshire from Maine I made good progress over to Lake Winnipesaukee, and had a fantastic swim in there, changing intermittently from manta to reef shark, or a bright mandarin fish; the latter takes all my chameleon powers to accomplish, as there are so many colours needed to make up a good mandarin fish.

After a bite of lunch I took my time going through Laconia and must have looked quite laconic; I don't think anybody saw me though, as I'd turned back into my default greenygrey colours, and the surroundings were nicely greenygrey.

As I passed through the countryside I saw a man in a field of crops repeatedly throwing a ball up in the air and then collecting it. I was vexed as to what he was doing, so I enquired. He said he'd used to live in New York, but he'd moved up to New Hampshire because of 'Catcher in the Rye'. I said it's a long way to move for such a sport, but he said New Hampshire has great rye fields.

I'm sure there was something cryptic in what he said, but I never worked it out. I started thinking about it on my way down to Concord, but was there before I knew it, so it went completely out of my head...until now.

Anyway, I was travelling so fast my greenygrey fur was falling into my eyes, so I thought I'd buy some rope to tie it. I asked at an old-fashioned wholesale store and the very polite shop-owner said 'New hemp sure'.

So I tied my fur back with the hemp, and it came in very handy, as I flew from Concord to the border with Vermont, where I would end my journey through MNV. I slept on the banks of the Connecticut River, and nice it was too.

Mane in Maine

MNV 1= Maine

Having accepted that I would have to take on this acronym without many memory aids I shapeshifted into a sea eagle and made my way up to the first leg of the acronynym without meaning, Maine.

However, as I flew I realised the letters followed alphabetically, so that was some help.

The scenery below was wonderful, and really whet my appetite for my land trip. Touching down in the north of Maine I was transported back in time to my travels across Canada, as the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick border Maine.

Yes, I much preferred BASMOQ and N3+PEI to MNV I must say, but I musn't grumble, as the scenery in Maine is also beautiful, with about 90% of the state still wooded, and plenty of coastline.

I was also back in the Appalachians, and enjoyed the clear natural air as I ran through the powder puff snow, and towering trees. I stopped off in Caribou, and got talking to a moose called Stephen that said it was the King of Maine. I said that was impressive and complimented it on its cuddly ears. It said thanks, and complimented me on my greenygrey mane. I said thanks, but it's not really a mane, as lions have manes, but it's close enough, and I don't want to be pedantic.

After bidding goodbye to Stephen King I made my way down to Mars Hill, which was spacey, and then over to the east coast at Calais. I went for a swim in the Bay of Fundy there, and it was fun. Then I made my way down to Bath, and washed the salt water out of my greenygrey coat with a bath, before continuing to Portland, which reminded me of my time in Oregon, near the start of my journey in the USA.

I ended the day in Norway, and enjoyed the evening there. So that was the first leg of MNV over with, and I had thoroughly enjoyed it; even the acronym was starting to grow on me!

End of my American journey planned out

Greetings from the Greenygrey. I have planned the last leg of my journey, and I'm afraid it's going to be some tough acronyming in the last eleven states, as the first and last acronyms don't offer much memorability.

However, we've come a long way together, and I'm confident that after all the tough virtual travelling we've done, we'll make it to the end now.

The route is set out below, and I hope you'll join me on it in the next few weeks.

MNV= Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

Mr. C= Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut

N2= New York and New Jersey

PMD= Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware

Waste Virginier in West Virginia

C2+V2 4= West Virginia

I crossed from Virginia into West Virginia by travelling west funnily enough. Crossing into Greenbrier county I felt at home, and travelled upstream in the Greenbrier river for a while.

I was going to head north all the way, but something drew me out to the west, and before I knew it I was in Point Pleasant. Strange things started happening to me there, such as my fur turning orange and purple without me chameleonising it, and losing track of my blog without knowing it; I therefore have no information about my journey from Greenbrier to Point Pleasant.

Then a strange creature started appearing, kind of like a moth, but also like a man; sort of mothmanish! I don't suppose I should talk, being kind of wolfish, and kinda human. Anyway, in the end we got together and had a good chat. It's a legendary super-being as well, so we had plenty to talk about. As we were leaving I left my food wrapper behind, thinking it was biodegradable, and the Mothman asked if I always did that. I said yes, and it got quite angry, saying I should never leave waste to chance. I asked if it had ever done it and it said no. I assured it I would be more careful in the future, and it seemed pleased.

I left the next day, and headed east. I had a good time chameleonising in Auburn, ran with the elk in Elk Garden, and ended up with sore paws in Paw Paw. I'd really enjoyed travelling through West Virginia though, and once again running free through the Appalachian Mountain range.

As I rested my paws in Paw Paw I also planned the rest of the journey through the last twelve states. Although they are only small, and compacted into the north-east of the USA, I felt that they would provide the biggest test yet of my travel by acronym.

Virginier in Virginia

C2+V2 3= Virginia

Heading over the border into Virginia I started off by having an early morning swim at Virginia Beach, and then headed inland to Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Bay. I passed through Suffolk, Norfolk, Newport News and Portsmouth, and the names reminded me of somewhere.

Then I headed inland to Richmond, which seemed quite affluent, before swimming towards the mountains on the Roanoke River.

Along the way I stopped in the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. I was worried I'd walked into a trap set to capture my greenygrey fur, but could relax after a few hours, as I was so fascinated by the performing arts center that I couldn't leave, and guessed that was what the trap referred to. They asked if I'd been to the opera before, and I replied no, because I hadn't. They said everybody else had been before, so I was the only newbie in the place.

After leaving there I passed through some dogwood trees, which made me feel at home, before I finally made it back into the Blue Ridge Mountains. I had another reminder of what a small world it is a few hours a later, because I came across the two gentlemen I'd met in the Blue Ridge Mountains further south. I asked what they were doing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and it seemed to set them off into song: telling me they were in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on the Trail of the Lonesome Pine.

I said oh, are you still looking for the lonesome pine; I saw some dogwood earlier if that's any help. They said that was a great help, although I don't know if they were just being kind, before they left. It was the last I saw of them, so I hope they found what they were looking for.

I made it to the border with West Virgina by nightfall, with the end of my journey through C2+V2 in sight.

No' Carol liner in North Carolina

C2+V2 2: North Carolina

I left Myrtle Beach at first light and crossed the border into North Carolina. I stopped in Bolivia for brekkie, and had some nice veggie tapas.

I ran over to Carolina Beach, and was going to catch a ship up the coast, but when I went to get on the only ship in port a guard asked my name. I remembered the trouble I'd had in South Carolina, with the ship that only allowed on creatures called Carol, so I said Carol. The guard chuckled, before saying 'I'm sorry, we don't allow Carols on this ship'.

I was proper brangled; thinking only Carols in South Carolina, and no Carols in North Carolina, what the heck's going on?!

Anyway, I didn't hang around to find out, and made my way inland. Heading up into the Piedmont I came across an old friend as I travelled through the Brushy Mountains; yes, none other than that ol' cad, Basil Brush. When I told him about my experiences with the ships he said 'boom boom', but I said it was no joke Basil, it really happened!

After bidding farewell to Basil I headed into higher mountains; the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Appalachians. After traversing a pine forest I came across an odd couple of characters; one was big and the other not at all. The big one was scolding the other, telling him 'that's another fine mess you've got me into'. I introduced myself, and they said they're names were Stan and Ollie. I asked what they were doing, and they said they were on the trail of the lonesome pine, but Stan had just got them lost. I told them I'd seen many pines on my journey, and pointed them in the direction of some lonesome looking ones.

I started making my way down soon after that, and entered Raleigh in time for tea. Everybody was riding around on bicycles there, so I joined in. I enjoyed it so much I rode up to Eden on one. It was so heavenly in Eden that I camped there. I had apple for supper.

South Carol Liner in South Carolina

C2+V2 1: South Carolina

After relaxing on the beach for awhile in the Florida Keys I flew up to Charleston in South Carolina after changing into a seagull for the journey.

After taking in the history of Charleston I crossed the bay over to Mount Pleasant, which was also pleasant.

I was going to take a boat up the coast from there, but when I went to the port there was only one ship there, and no other voyages were planned for the foreseeable future. So I thought I'd get on that boat, and went to board.

However, as I approached the ship a guard asked me what my name was. I didn't know why I was being asked, so I just replied 'Greenygrey'. The guard looked at me with astonishment, before replying: 'Greenygrey, you tried to get on the Carol liner with a name like Greenygrey; where are you from, everybody in South Carolina knows the Carol liner is only for people called Carol'.

I was taken aback; brangled and in shock. If I'd unbrangled myself quickly enough I might have retorted that my middle name was Carol, but at the time I just sloped off, with my tail between my legs so to speak.

Anyway, it all worked out well in the end, because I got to see loads of sunny South Carolina.

First, I travelled across the Sandhills, and enjoyed running up the banks and then rolling down the other sides.

I met some cool geese at Goose Creek, ate orange burgers in Orangeburg, danced the salsa in Columbia, fitted into Greenville, and joined a mock battle in Spartanburg.

After running around the mountains in the Piedmont, I made my way back to the east coast by nightfall, and slept on Myrtle Beach.

The Carol liner docked two hours later.

Greenygrey's next route

Having finished the WIIM, TKO, MAG and F leg of the journey, it's time to plan out the next acronym segment.

I have decided to travel to C2+V2 next, which is probably more of an equation than an acronym; c'est la vie: anyway, it stands for South and North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

I think that will leave only 16 states in the north-east of the US, and I hope you will be along to finish the journey off with me.

Floor rider in Florida

F=Florida

When is an acronym not an acronym? Maybe when there's only one letter? I didn't have time to work out if one letter can constitute an acronym, because I was heading down to Florida, and at the end of a long and epic journey I thought it was time to hit the BEACH!

So I swam through beautiful seas down to the Florida coast; I of course chameleonised my fur into a gorgeous turquoise and azure number, and this helped me avoid any shark bovver. Although sharks are not usually any problem anyway, and have nearly as much right to life as wolves.

I hitched a lift on a space shuttle leaving Cape Canaveral, and got off above Jupiter; Jupiter a little further down the coast that is, not the Jupiter near Saturn off in outer space.

Then I swam through more tropical waters to Hollywood City, and thought I was back on the west coast for a while. I headed inland after that, and crossed the Everglades; fascinating, but a bit dodgy with all those reptiles.

I was crossing a path, when an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake asked who I was; after I explained that I was the Greenygrey, and travelling across North America by land, air and sea, it said it was called Ernie, and it only rode the floor. We talked a little more after that, but nothing important enough to document here, before I headed back to the BEACH.

I swam out to Marathon on the Florida Keys, before ending my Florida journey at Key West, where I celebrated with some lime pie; it only needed a bit of grey to be really fitting!

Georgier in Georgia

MAG 3: Georgia

Crossing the border into the third and final state of MAG, I headed over to Atlanta for a look, and ended up being chased by a CNN news crew, who thought a greenygrey werewolf in town was quite an exclusive. Luckily, my chameleon powers came in handy, and I was able to elude being captured on film; we're better at that sort of thing than those Bigfoots!

Then I headed down to Peachtree City for a lunch of peaches, and I must say I do dig those Georgia peaches.

Georgia was an old British colony, and I entered into a conversation with a local about what royal name they like the best, and it met a response of 'In Georgia, we prefer George'.

I then headed south-west to La Grange, where there was a band singing about sharp dressed men, legs, tush, and requesting all our loving. Two members of the band had big long beards, so they looked kind of wolfish, in a gray wolf kind of way.

I then continued south to Lake Seminole, before heading east to the Okefenokee Swamp. It was a bit of a perilous trek through the swamp, with many gators and snakes around, but through diplomacy and camouflage I managed it, and emerged on the east coast of the state and country after a few hours.

I slept the night in Brunswick, which reminded me of New Brunswick, where I had previously camped on the Atlantic east coast, only then in Canada. I'd covered a lot of miles since then, travelling from east to west across Canada, and west to east across the US, so I slept well after a bit of contemplation.

I'll a balm 'er in Alabama

MAG 2: Alabama

Crossing into Alibami, umm, I mean Alabama, I heard some music which sounded ghostly but great; something about sweet home alabama.

It got my pace up alright, and I reached Florence for brekkie; it was served by a very nice woman carrying a lamp for some reason.

I continued east after polishing it all off; at times running and at other times taking a dip in the Tennessee River.

But then I saw a sign for Huntsville, and thought I'd better avoid it, so I started heading south.

I reached Jasper, near Birmingham, by lunchtime, and had carrots to eat.

I headed down to Greenville and Evergreen after sleeping my lunch off, before reaching the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile Bay.

It was so nice to be beside the seaside that I became quite sedentary, but after reminding myself I was in Mobile, I became mobile again, and started heading east towards Georgia.

On the way to the border I came across a female gator that looked in pain. When I enquired what was the matter, she said she had a sore leg, so I brought out some gilead balm I had from earlier in the trip, and applied it to the painful leg. It seemed to do the trick, and it was off swimming through the swamps in no time.

I reached the border with Georgia by nightfall, and slept well despite the humidity.

Mrs Hippy in Mississippi

MAG 1: Mississippi

Having woken up from my TKO sleep I felt refreshed, and it took me no time at all to change into an eagle and fly down to Mississippi for the start of my journey through MAG.

Landing in the Mississippi River I made my way to Greenville, where I seemed to fit in splendidly; well, half of me anyway!

After a cabbage, broccoli and zucchini greeny brekkie I left Greenville and headed south.

I made good progress along the flat humid land, and it wasn't long before I reached Hattiesburg. As I was passing along the outskirts a woman made polite conversation, and I asked if she was born in Mississippi. She said no, she had been single and very straight-laced in the early 1960s, but then she met a hippy at Woodstock, got married to him and moved down to Mississippi with him.

It was an interesting story, and I could've listened to her all day, but I had rambling to do myself, so I set off again after bidding Mrs Hippy farewell.

I reached Biloxi, by nightfall, and joined the Mississippi Sea Wolves ice hockey team after receiving an invitation. It was great to spend some good wolf time with a few of the lads again, even if sea wolves aren't that closely related to greenygreys.

We could make ourselves understood, and as we share a similar sense of humour it made for a wonderful night. They aren't as fierce as they look, and put me up for the night after I'd had a little too much to drink.
Cheers Sea Wolves, and good luck next season!

O, hi O in Ohio

TKO 3: Ohio

I crossed the Ohio River, from Covington in Kentucky to Cincinnati in Ohio. I had brekkie while listening to Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati.

Then I made my way up to Beavercreek for brunch with the beavers at the creek.

After saying farewell to the beavers I travelled through Springfield, where a family of yellow people were very friendly and funny. They said they'd give me a lift up to Columbus, but then the son wound the father up, and he crashed into a ditch while trying to reach behind to swipe him; it was a bit of a nightmare, but also funny when the father exclaimed 'Doh!' and the son ran off laughing.

I continued by foot, and made good progress along the flat wide open farmland that makes up much of the state.

I stopped for supper in Lima, which has a South American feel to it. A beautiful red bird landed near me and introduced itself as O the Cardinal. I was taken aback by its radiance, and was a little brangled; you know, when your brain's in a tangle. I eventually just blurted out 'O hi O'. O was very friendly though, and we shared some buckeyes while having a good chat.

After saying adios to O I continued north until reaching Cleveland. I slept on the beach there, on the shores of Lake Erie. However, I didn't sleep for a while, as there was something eerie about the place.

So I took some sleeping pills and they knocked me out; it brought my journey through TKO to a fitting end.

Can Turkey in Kentucky

TKO 2: Kentucky

Landing in the Wolf River and meeting Howlin' Wolf in Tennessee gave me an appetite for finding wolfy names and creatures, so I planned my Kentucky rambles along those lines.

First, I headed up to the Wolf Hills in Henderson County, and had lunch with some wolf spiders. They aren't very good looking creatures, but they are harmless, and quite friendly once you get to know them.

Then I headed up to Wolf Creek in Meade County, and had a relaxing few hours lounging and swimming while my food settled.

Wolfe County was next, and then I crossed the Licking River and Cave Run Lake up to Wolf in Carter County. It was nice to run through the rolling hills and bluegrass.

While I was there I came across some wild turkeys, which have been successfully reintroduced to the state after going extinct, dancing to bluegrass music. They bet me I couldn't dance like a turkey, but I soon got into a good rhythm, and they had to admit that I can turkey.

Then I made my way up to the Ohio River, and slept on its southern bank.

Tennisy in Tennessee

TKO 1: It's technically knock out

Leaving the Michigan rim, I shapeshifted into an eagle and flew down to Memphis, Tennessee. I landed in the Wolf River of course, and went downtown for some brekkie.

I heard some howling coming out of a restaurant, and thought I recognised the voice, and when I entered it was none other than Howlin' Wolf; I realised I must have time-travelled back to the 50s or 60s without realising it when I flew down.

I left Memphis on the Blues Highway, and travelled up to Nashville. As I passed through I heard Dolly Parton singing 'Coat of Many Colours', and thought she must have been speaking about me.

Then I fancied a break from running so I caught a train down to Chattanooga, before heading up into the Appalachians. It was great to be up in the mountains again, and I made good progress up to the north-east of the state.

I passed through Newport to Bristol, and entered into a conversation about a strange game they were playing there. I thought it was kind of golfy, but my acquaintance thought it was more tennisy.

After leaving the game behind I rested up on the border with Kentucky, the second stage of my travel through TKO.

Midgee gun in Michigan?

WIIM 4: Michigan

I crossed into Michigan, the Wolverine State, from Indiana; I felt like a wolf amongst wolverines, and I guess I was.

Heading north through the mitten shaped land mass that makes up the southern territory of Michigan I felt I fitted into Michigan like a glove, and was enjoying my morning ramble.

Passing through Kalamazoo there was a great deal of noise, with many people blowing into a strangely shaped musical instrument.

I headed east from there, and reached Detroit for lunch. I travelled back in time there to witness a historic performance by legendary group, Kiss, who were so impressed by the city's people that they penned the song, Detroit Rock City.

Then I headed north-west, but the epic journey was starting to take its toll on my poor paws, so I bought a car in Pontiac and drove from there.

However, the car wasn't as luxurious as I wanted, so I exchanged it for another one in Cadillac, and travelled in style from there up to Alpena; where I lunched on Muesli.

After that I swam from the eastern side of the lower territory to the south of the northern territory, via Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and through the Mackinac Strait that divides the two peninsulas.

I had to barter with some trolls on the mitten peninsula to pass through the strait; they live under the bridge that spans the Mackinac

From there I was drawn like a magnet to Iron Mountain and Iron Wood, before resting up on the north of the peninsula, and the shores of Lake Superior; I once again felt humbled.

It was a beautiful setting, and with fruit and berries in abundance I had a wonderful evening, and felt content and proud to have completed my journey around WIIM. The only downer was that there were loads of midgees, and I felt like I could have done with a midgee gun!

However, that was only a slight drawback, and once I'd got the campfire going they soon abated. I felt so at home in such an idyllic setting, and so euphoric about having another accomplishment under my greenygrey belt, that I started singing a song; thankfully nobody could hear me, as I'm a bit tone deaf! It went something like this:

Home, home on the WIIM,
I came here on a whim,
To the Lake Michigan rim,
I love travelling by acronym.

I hope you enjoy it as much I did.

Thanks to Wikipedia for providing great info on Michigan, and most of the other stuff that's helped my rambles on their way: http://en.wikipedia.org

Indy Anna in Indiana

WIIM 3: Indiana

Crossing the border into Indiana in the morning I headed over to Lafayette, as its the home town of Axl Rose and Izzy Straddlin of Guns n' Roses, one of my favourite human bands. Wolfmother are my top wolf group.

From there I headed south, drawn by some magnetic force towards the Angel Mounds State Historic Site near Evansville. I felt at home there, and had lunch on the prehistoric Native American site.

Travelling north in the afternoon I saw a load of horses, colts I think, and fast cars as I passed Indianapolis.

I had a bit of a swim in the Wabash when I reached it, but got into a little trouble. Lo and behold, who was there to rescue me, but the Anna that I'd met in Louisiana. After she'd pulled me out of the fast-flowing river I thanked her and asked how she was doing and where Louise was. She said that's fine, she was doing great, and her and Louise had gone in different directions for a while to do some independent travelling.

I thanked her again before heading further north, and slept just north of Elkhart. I, of course, didn't eat any elk-heart being a veggie.

ILL n' OI in ILLINOIS

I crossed into Illinois via Lake Michigan, and swam down to sweet home Chicago. As I got out of the water a car sped past with a couple of guys with shades on inside, and a veritable convoy of different kinds of people chasing them. What a welcome, I thought; and also that I'm glad I'm on a mythological/legendary plain, and don't have to deal with everyday events.

As I walked down the street a Chicago Bear was heading down the road towards me; no, it wasn't a grizzly, it was William 'The Fridge' Perry, the legendary American Footballer. I said 'Hi, Fridge', and he replied 'Hi, Greeny'.

Then I climbed up the Sears Tower for great views over the city, and had a spot of lunch downtown. It was quite windy in the windy city.

Then I headed south to Pontiac, where I had a bit of trouble avoiding all the traffic, and down to Normal, where I began to feel ill. Returning to Pontiac, I had even more trouble with the cars, and a driver shouted 'Oi, you in the greenygrey, get out of my way'. I suppose he wasn't to know I was ill when he oi'd me.

I headed east after that, and reached the border with Indiana by nightfall. I'd enjoyed Illinois, and soon recovered from my illness.

Whisk on sin in Wisconsin

WIIM 1: Wisconsin

Having reached the bottom of MIMAL I had to decide my route from then on, as explained in the last blog, and after a great deal of deliberation I decided to start from the north again, and so shapeshifted into an eagle to fly up to the top of Wisconsin; although I obviously love travelling overland, and seeing all the great places up close, for convenience, speed and panoramic views you can't beat flying!

So, landing in the Lake Superior Lowland I quickly changed into my greenygrey default shape once my feet hit terra firma, turned to head south like an Olympic 100m swimmer at the end of a length, and was off at a gallop.

Although I can get tired of running after a long while, a few hours of flying rekindles my enthusiasm, and it was to be running wild again, with the beautiful lake to my left.

It wasn't long before I reached the Northern Highland, and I loved running in the forests and glacial lakes there. I particularly liked the massive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and Wisconsin's highest point, Timms Hill.

I picked a few berries and pieces of fruit along the way, and really fancied a smoothie after all the running when I stopped for lunch. I didn't really have anywhere to make one though, and was looking a bit flummoxed when a snake approached. I said 'hello, my name is greenygrey', and it replied 'howdy, my name is sin; sin the snake'.

I told sin about my smoothie quandary, and it replied 'You can can whisk on me', so that's what I did. After whisking on sin I of course shared the smoothie with it. It was a most enjoyable lunch, and after bidding farewell to sin I felt refreshed and rejuvenated.

I drifted through the Driftless Area during the afternoon, which had a nice mixture of farmland and forest.

It was quite an eventful trip for the rest of the time too, as passing along the Door Peninsula I thought I heard the voice of Jim Morrison; I really felt at home in Green County; and thought I saw the Fonz on his motorbike in Milwaukee, which is home to both Happy Days and Harley Davidson.



Yep, it was an eventful journey alright, and good to be back on the acronym road. I slept well on the edge of Illinois; the next step on my trip through WIIM.

My travel route is planned

Sorry I've been away for a while, but I've been busy planning my route.

Having travelled across two-thirds of the US things got a bit complicated, as there are two-thirds of the 50 states in the eastern third of the country, so it gets a bit cramped and therefore harder to plot a coherent acronym route.

Anyway, I think I've got my plans together now, so in the next few weeks you'll hopefully be able to follow my trek through WIIM, TKO, MAG and F.

Yep, I'm looking forward to seeing the next eleven states, and hope you'll join me.

Louise y Anna in Louisiana

MIMAL 5: Louisiana

I crossed over into Louisiana soon after dawn, and it was already very humid; lucky my greenygrey coat kept me cool.

I made my way down to Monroe, and had brekkie in a diner there. A funny thing happened as I finished off my sunny side up eggs: a blonde waitress called Marilyn had her skirt blown up by a sudden gust of wind. And it had been really still beforehand. Wow.

I then made good progress down to Alexandria, which had a Mediterranean feel to it, before twirling my way over to Baton Rouge.

Between there and New Orleans another funny thing occurred. I had jumped into the Mississippi River to give my weary paws a rest, and was swimming merrily downstream, when I heard a call from the bank.

So I swam over, and one of two women said 'Do you speak Spanish?'. I replied 'un poco' (a little). She then introduced herself and her friend: 'nosotros (we are)Louise y Anna', and I did the same: 'yo (I am) Greengrey'. Then in Spanish they said 'Beware, there is a big whirlpool further down stream, and nothing can escape from it, not even a greenygrey'.

They looked serious and honest so I thanked them from the bottom of my heart and continued swimming. Then, not ten minutes later, I saw a whirlpool of gigantic proportions, filling up the river, and swallowing everything that crossed its path. So I quickly made my way to the bank, and escaped the liquid trap.

I ran for the rest of the way to New Orleans, and slept on a bayou on its edge.

I had travelled down MIMAL, and thanks to Louise y Anna I had reached my destination.

'ar can saw in Arkansas

MIMAL 4: ARKANSAS

Crossing the border into Arkansas I headed to the Strawberry River for breakfast and a swim: there's nothing quite like chewing on juicy ripe strawberries while doing butterfly!

Then I headed up into the Ozarks, and made good speed at high altitude across the impressive mountain range: I could see why Arkansas is called the Natural State.



I made it down to Little Rock by early afternoon, and continued to England for lunch.

I continued travelling south after some veggie sausages and mash. When I passed Carthage I saw a load of people riding elephants, which I thought was a very strange sight; although they looked as shocked to see me as I them.

I made it down to El Dorado by evening, and came across a gold miner who'd had a tree fall on her.

She said 'Can you saw, if so, there's a saw over near my bag, and would you mind sawing this tree off me?'

I said ''ah can caw' and rushed over to the saw before freeing her.

She was unharmed and cooked me dinner in return for my efforts.

After eating and saying goodbye I continued south to the border with Louisiana; the last stop on my journey down MIMAL.

Miss ou ri' in Missouri

MIMAL 3: Missouri

I woke early in the morning and crossed the border into Missouri.

I made good speed during the morning and reached the Mark Twain Lake for lunch. After a substantial feed I read for a few hours afterwards; I don't know what gave me the urge, I hadn't felt like reading for a while. I started a new book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Then I passed through Bowling Green, where there seemed to be a lot of people playing some kind of sport, and Troy, where there seemed to be some kind of classical Greek war going on.

I lunched in St. Louis, and met a woman who was very elegantly dressed. She seemed to be having trouble crossing a puddle, so I threw my greenygrey coat down over it, and she could then get across. She said 'Merci beaucoup' in that cute French accent, and I said 'Miss ou ri'', as I saw she was not wearing a ring.

Then I swam down the Missouri River to the Lake of the Ozarks, crossed the Ozark Plateau and rested on the edge of Joplin for the night. I thought I heard a woman with a great voice singing about a bloke called Bobby McGee during the night.

I owe 'er in Iowa

MIMAL 2: IOWA

Crossing into Iowa I breakfasted at Spirit Lake, and enjoyed the good spirit I felt there.

Then I ran down to Cherokee and thrived on the good spirit I felt there too.

Feeling a bit warm after a good morning's running I swam down the Raccoon River during the afternoon. I really enjoyed it, and the raccoons were great fun, just messing about in the water all day.

I got into a bit of trouble in some rapids at one stage, and a raccoon called Racclisa helped me to the bank; even legendary superheroes get into bother sometimes you know, and you should always respect the strength of nature. I owe Racclisa a debt, and it won't be forgotten.

I got out of the river in Des Moines, and then headed south-west to Shenendoah, where I spent the night under a clear night sky with Missouri within sight.

Mini so ta in Minnesota

MIMAL 1: MINNESOTA


Crossing into the state of 10000 lakes, Minnesota, I ran to Detroit Lake, swam across that, and then walked to Walker, where I had lunch on the banks of Leech Lake.

Then I crossed the Mesabi Range to Eagle Mountain, and flew around there for a while after shapeshifting. There was some nice boreal forest around, as well as impressive mountain peaks.

After swimming down Lake Superior, which humbled me with its size and beauty, to Duluth I ran down to the twin cities of Minneapolis-St.Paul. I saw a foxy vixen in a mini-skirt there, and thought 'mini so ta'.

After leaving the city I had a nice journey down to Blue Earth, and spent the night just south of there, ready to cross into Iowa the next day.

Memories of the travelling so far

So having reached the last state in the western half of the USA we have now worked out a way to memorise where I've been.

Travelling from west to east the first six provinces of Canada can be remembered as BASMOQ: that's British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Then the next four provinces of Canada are: N3+PEI. That's New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia making up the Ns, and Prince Edward Island.

Then there are the three territories of Canada that travelling east to west can be remembered as N2Y: that's Nunavut and Northwest Territories making up the Ns, and then the Yukon.

Crossing into the USA we have the two non-contigous states that can be remembered as HA or even AH if you prefer; that's Hawaii and Alaska.

Then the four western states of the USA can be remembered as WONC: that's Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California.

Next, in the north of the USA we have WIM: that's Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, going in a clockwise direction from the south-east.

Below them are the four corner states of the USA: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Together they make up the fishy sounding CUNA.

Then we have six states that conveniently go from north to south in a straight line down the middle of the USA, and together they make up the acronym type ropey word D2KNOT: that's North and South Dakota making up the D2, followed by Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas forming the KNOT.

So there we have our journey so far, all neatly summarised in a few words!

5-O in Hawaii

US 19: Hawaii

As I was recapping my journey so far I realised that I should have gone to Hawaii by now, as it is the most westerly state along with Alaska.

So I shapeshifted into an eagle to fly to the west coast, and then as I reached the sea changed into an albatross.

My wings were getting tired half way to Hawaii, so I changed into a ray for the last leg of the journey, and glided smoothly up to the beach.

Changing back into wolf form I ran up Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest peak, and higher than Everest if you follow it all the way to its base under the sea; I of course had started from its salty origins.

I rested on the peak for a couple of hours, before making the return journey back to North Dakota.

Once I've caught my breath tomorrow I'll update you on the current acronyms of North America!

Recollections 2

After leaving Canada I travelled through Alaska, which is of course up there on its own, separated from any other US states.

I then travelled down the west coast, from Washington into Oregon, and then California, before heading east into Nevada. While I think that was the most direct route I could have taken, to remember them I think it's best to swap California and Nevada around, so that a WONC acronym is created.

I then covered the next seven states to the east by travelling north and then south, but you learn as you travel, and to remember them I think it's better to split them into the northern three states, and then the four corner states at the bottom.

For the top three states, I think an acronym starting with Wyoming, and followed in a clockwise direction by Idaho and Montana is the most memorable: WIM.

For the four corner states I think an acronym of CUNA is the most memorable, but it means starting in the top right hand corner with Colorado, then travelling west for Utah, then back to the south-east for New Mexico, and then west again for Arizona. So unfortunately not as straightforward travelling around the CUNA acronym, but sometimes you've got to break off from the easiest path to reach your preferred destination.

The straight north-south line of the next six states provides a nice smooth journey. I travelled south to north, but to memorise them I think it's best to start at the top and work down; creating a memory package of D2KNOT: yes, a D2 knot, as in a rope knot. That's the Dakotas at the top, easily separated with North and South, and then Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas creating the knot.

So that's the first 18 American states covered, and I'll soon be heading into unknown territory as I move east. See you there!

Recollections 1

-----------A grey cousin I might have met along the way

As I have reached North Dakota, and what might be considered the last US 'western' state, I began recollecting about my journey so far.

It started in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, and I remembered this by the acronym BASMOQ.

Then I visited three other provinces I remembered as N3: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the middle of them is the tenth province: Prince Edward Island. I was disappointed not to receive a royal welcome there from what I can remember!

Then I made my way across the three territories from east to west, starting with Nunavut, and then crossing into Northwest Territories and finally the Yukon: this might be remembered as N2Y...or might not!

Tomorrow I'll be recollecting my journey through the western states of the U.S.

No wrath da kota in North Dakota

US 18: North Dakota

I swam up Lake Oahe after stretching through the dawn, and it was nice to do a bit of marine travelling on a hot morning with my paws still singed from running through the Badlands the day before.

I lunched at Bismarck; I thought it was a big ship, and was surprised to find nothing of the naval vessel variety amongst the shops and homes.

Then I headed east along the Coteau du Missouri. It was mighty hot and I thought my greenygrey coat was going to rebel against me because it was having to work so hard to keep me from overheating, but when I asked if it was okay, it just said 'I feel no wrath'.

I was mighty pleased to hear it and grateful for the job it was doing.

Feeling assured, I carried on through the afternoon; passing Jamestown and Valley City before resting on the edge of Fargo for the night. There was thankfully no murders or funny stuff at Fargo!

Da coat da soothe in South Dakota

US 17: South Dakota

Crossing into South Dakota I made good progress across the Badlands, which were nice and flat.

Then I made my way up into the Black Hills for lunch at Hot Springs. It was nice to relax after a long morning's running, and good to put my paws up for a while.

I passed Mt. Rushmore, and it was good to see all those president dudes from time gone by; maybe the greenygrey will be immortalised in such a way one day...only time will tell!

Then I passed through Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish on my way down to the prairie.

As I passed Buffalo and Bison I got into a tangle with some buffalo and bison, but my greenygrey coat kept me out of harm's way, and soothed any knocks.

I made it up to McIntosh by sundown, and camped on the border with North Dakota for the night.

Nay bras here in Nebraska

US 16: Nebraska

Crossing into Nebraska I preferred to stay to the west of the state, preferring the dry arid conditions to the more humid ones I felt coming from the east.

Like Kansas, Nebraska is in tornado alley so I kept an eye out for them again; didn't see any, so thankful for that.

After taking lunch on the North Platte river I headed into the Wildcat Hills, but didn't see any wildcats about; saw some hills though!

I kept travelling through the Great Plains all afternoon, and camped on the border with South Dakota.

There had been no great events in Nebraska, and maybe that's the way it is there; just quiet living, and good travelling.

Can suss in Kansas

US 15: Kansas

Crossing into Kansas I became apprehensive; having seen the Wizard of Oz several times I knew there was danger in this state.

After crossing the Red Hills I dodged Dodge City, as I've also seen Tombstone; I know Wyatt Earp's supposed to have cleaned it up, but you never know!

I reached the Smoky River for lunch, and had some delicious smoked red hot chili peppers under the bridge; I'd earlier picked them in the Red Hills.

I made my way into the Smoky Hills afterwards, and was going to head west, but after seeing a twister approaching in the distance I sussed out that I should head east.

So I changed direction, and an hour later I saw the tornado pass to the east.

The hills were beautiful, and I slept well knowing I'd escaped danger and been able to see some beautiful scenery.

Ok la homa in Oklahoma

U.S.A 14: Oklahoma

Crossing into Oklahoma via the Wichita Mountains I made good progress during the morning, and got up to the Canadian River for what I think is commonly termed a brunch.

Being near the Canadian River brought back memories of the early stages of my epic journey, and I revelled in my nostalgia for an hour or two.

I got so into my Canadian memories that I jumped in the river after lunch, and swam northwards for as long as possible.

After getting back on land I ran up to Buffalo. I was trying to avoid people if possible, but this friendly person who seemed a little insecure shouted out to me 'Whaddaya you think of mi homa?'

I don't know why they asked, as their home seemed fine, so I answered 'Ok la homa'.

They seemed really pleased at this, and bade me farewell after wishing me a safe journey.

I continued up to the Kansas border, and had a great sleep knowing I'd done a good deed for the day.

Tech us in Texas

US 13: Texas

To get to Texas from Colorado I first had to travel through New Mexico again, which was quite enjoyable anyway.

I reached Texas in time for a bit of brekkie, and then started making my way eastwards across the plains and prairies.

I was just getting into my stride the other side of Amarillo when I saw a big cattle drive ahead. I knew I was in trouble, as it stretched across the horizon, and there didn't seem any way around it even for a mythical legend like me.

So, I just kept going until reaching the outer edge of the drive. A cowboy called me over and said 'Are you the ones who've been interfering with our communications?'

I think he must have been seeing double or something, or maybe it was my greenygrey coat that confused him, but I just ignored that and said 'Tech us; I think you've got the wrong werewolves, we didn't even know you cowboys had gone hi-tech!'

He seemed happy with that and waved us, I mean me, on.

There were no more interruptions, and we, I mean I, made it over to the Red River just above Wichita by nightfall.

Yes, it'd been an eventful day in the big country, but I was looking forward to a calmer passage through Oklahoma the next day.

Colour radio in Colorado

U.S.A 12: Colorado

I crossed into Colorado but stayed in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, enjoying the sunshine that fell abundantly down on my greenygrey coat.

Climbing higher and higher I made my way along the eastern ridges of the Rocky Mountains and up to Mount Elbert, the highest point in the Rockies. I was so enraptured with the view that I wrote a poem about my ascent over lunch. It is included at the bottom of this post.

After lunch I made my way to the Colorado River, and followed it towards Denver. I popped into Denver for a bit of window shopping, and saw a lovely radio; maybe it was its greenygrey colour, but I just took an instant liking to it.

I left there in the late afternoon and made the short journey to Greeley, which I think is a very nice name, being quite close to Greeny. Needless to say, I didn't want to leave there quickly, and ended up staying there the night: Greeny in Greeley, ha!

Mountain Mirror: Ascent and Descent

Terra firma, gazing to the skies.
Before us,
a mountain of majesty, standing so proud.
Ascending, the narrow path leaves little room.
Onwards and upwards, we see the valley disappear below,
lime and tan replaced by ebony and ivory.
Through clouds, ice and snow we climb.
As it steepens, sheer cliffs we navigate;
the peak is within a stone's throw.

On the summit; freezing but ecstatic, on top of the world.

We leave the peak with reluctant hearts;
with careful steps, sheer cliffs we navigate.
Through clouds, ice and snow we climb;
ebony and ivory replaced by lime and tan.
Onwards and downwards, we see the summit disappear above,
Descending, the narrow path leaves little room.
Behind us,
a mountain of majesty, standing so proud.
Terra firma, gazing to the skies.

New mixing in New Mexico

U.S.A 11: New Mexico

I stored up on water before crossing into New Mexico, as it is a notoriously dry state.

In the morning I made good progress across ochre deserts, heading east below the Zuni mountains. There was a fierce sun high in the cloudless sky, so the water I'd stored came in handy and I paced my intake to last until late morning; I mixed it up with some cactus juice, a mix I hadn't tried before.

An hour later I reached the Rio Grande, and ate lunch by the riverside. After a post-lunch sunbathe and swim I left just before some cattle ranchers arrived on a drive; I'd seen a cloud of dust in the distance, and guessed what was causing it.

I reached the Sangre de Cristo Mountains by late afternoon, and enjoyed running along the snowy peaks after spending the morning in high temperatures. I was well cooled-off, and felt a lot better for it.

I reached the Navajo Reservoir by nightfall and spent a relaxing night there.

Colorado was just over the border; the only Four Corner state I had yet to visit.

I hoped to put that right the next day.

Arise in Arizona

U.S.A 10: Arizona

When I woke up I found I was in Arizona, and must have sleepwalked during the night; either that or somebody moved me! I wasn't complaining, as I was overlooking a lake, and there was a beautiful sunrise.



After swimming across the lake I ran through the pine forests of the Colorado Plateau during the morning, until reaching the edge of the Grand Canyon.


I lunched overlooking the canyon, and then made my way down into the gorge. I swam down the Colorado River and enjoyed the rapids swirling around my body like some kind of natural jacuzzi, but wouldn't recommend it to mortals, as it can be a little dangerous. My greenygrey fur protected me, but I would have picked up a few scratches otherwise.

Refreshed and invigorated I made my way across the desert in the afternoon, drinking cactus water along the way to keep me going, until I reached the border with New Mexico by nightfall.

I slept under a clear night sky, and didn't have any trouble nodding off, despite a few worries about where I'd wake up!

Images copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona

Oh, ta in Utah

USA 9: Utah

Crossing into Utah through the Dinosaur Quarry I was worried a tyrannosaurus rex or raptor might come back to life feeling very hungry after millions of years without food, and take a liking to my greenygrey coat and think I was some kind breakfast in bed treat.

So I was mightily relieved to exit the area, and after getting my breath back enjoyed the rest of the morning's trek to Layton, on the Great Salt Lake. After the morning's excursion I enjoyed relaxing in the warm buoyant waters, and made the most of not having to swim to stay afloat.

I fell asleep actually, and spent much longer in the lake than originally intended. So after swimming over to the other side I bucked my ideas up and ran like the wind through the Great Salt Desert, the Sevier Desert, the Colorado River, and the Henry Mountains to Monument Valley; I didn't spend much time in my default greenygrey colours, as the environment around me was mostly either salty white or sandy yellow.

I climbed into the monumental rocks during the evening, and pretended to be some of my favourite characters from the Westerns I have stored in my mind. After that I made my way over to Navajo Mountain and camped on it for the night; Arizona was within view, and it looked as beautiful as Utah.

Why roaming in Wyoming?

USA 8: Wyoming

Crossing into Wyoming I made good speed as I travelled along the plateau, and then climbed up the Owl Creek mountains to eat lunch under a big blue sky, with the sun's heat cancelling out any discomfort from the strong breeze.

After lunch I headed over to the Black Hills, before heading south over the Big Horn Mountains. It was quite cold in the Snowy mountains, but it warmed up again in the Sierra Madre.

The wide open spaces in the big sky country meant I made good speed through Wyoming, and the only distraction was the beautiful nature I passed; although I did have to go out of my way to avoid ranches a couple of times.

The dry weather meant I got thirsty quite often, but I drank from the rivers I passed: the Yellowstone, Powder, Green and Snake.

I particularly enjoyed the Green water, and thought it gave my coat a bit of a colour boost on the green front. Didn't enjoy the Snake water too much I'm afraid, and would recommend you avoid it if at all possible.

I made it to the border with Colorado by nightfall, and slept under an amazing night sky; there were stars and comets everywhere, and it took me a while to get to sleep, as I was enjoying the natural light show above so much.

Money in Montana

US 7: Montana

Crossing the border from Idaho to Montana I had breakfast on the edge of Eureka; I don't know if it was my close proximity to such a town, but some good ideas came to mind...I didn't find anything valuable however. I suppose that's par for the course though: all ideas and no dosh!

Then I headed over to East Glacier Park, before making my way to the Hungry Horse Reservoir. I swam across the Hungry Horse, ran to Flathead Lake and swam across that too.

I had lunch in Three Forks; without using any cutlery I may add, and then headed through the Crazy Mountains to Yellowstone. It was good to see my gray cousins back where they belong, and they presented me with a big yellow stone as a token of friendship.

So I did receive something valuable in Montana after all; what was that phrase, good things come to those who wait?

After leaving Yellowstone I headed to the Bighorn Mountains, and camped overnight on the border with Wyoming.

I had really enjoyed Montana, and it was easy to see why its nicknames include the "Land of Shining Mountains" and the "Big Sky Country".

I don't know in Idaho

US 6: Idaho

Upon entering Idaho I climbed up the Idaho Falls and swam down the Twin Falls, before heading up the Salmon River to Moscow.

I was then going to climb up Borah Peak, but got lost on some river in the Lost River Range, so I just had a long lunch and a bit of a siesta.

After lunch I bypassed Hells Canyon, as I didn't like the sound of it, and then climbed up the Shoshone Falls. It was so high I couldn't resist jumping back down it, and then had to climb up again!!

Then I travelled north through the Rockies during the afternoon, until I reached the border with Montana by nightfall. I slept under a full moon, and could hear the howling of my gray cousins in the distance.

It was music to my ears, and I fell asleep contentedly.

Nirvana in Nevada

US 5: Nevada

Crossing the border into Nevada I was sorry to leave California, but happy to be entering the silver state. Although I was in a different state I was still in the Mojave Desert, and made good time in the morning along the flat and open land.

I headed to the Spring Mountains, and climbed up Mount Charleston to see the sky islands that matched their name in beauty.

I could see the wonderful buildings of Las Vegas below, but didn't have time to drop in.

Entering the north of the state I travelled through the Great Basin Desert, and after crossing the Humboldt River I climbed up Wheeler Peak to watch the sunset.

Nevada had not disappointed, and as I could see Idaho from where I camped, I doubted if it would either.

Cali, Cali, Cali, Cali, California (to the Hare Krishna mantra tune)

US 4: California

I'd loved my journey through Canada, Alaska, Washington and Oregon but when I crossed into the northwestern forests of California it felt really special. You know, entering a state where some of my heroes like White Fang, Lassie and Wile E. Coyote (see images, copied from www.powerlineblog.com and www.allposters.com) live or lived makes it almost like a spiritual home in some ways.

This seemed to give my running an extra boost as I crossed from the Cascades to the Sierra Nevada mountains, and I made it to Lake Tahoe by late morning. I basked in the sun by the lakeside for a couple of hours, and put my feet up. I thought it was a well deserved break from my epic journey, and enjoyed the tranquil setting and idyllic scenery.

As AM turned into PM I decided to get a move on, and soon got into my stride. I passed through Hetch Hetchy Valley, Kings Canyon, Tehipite Valley and Kern Canyon as I ran down the western side of the mountains. Yosemite National Park was particularly awesome, with beautiful waterfalls all around; although I didn't see anything of Yogi and the gang; probably just as well, as bears can be troublesome, although Yogi seems okay on film.

The Sequoia trees were marvellous to run through, and they really made you feel insignificant; and it takes something amazing to make me feel insignificant I can tell you, being a mythical legendary being.

Then I made my way down to the Mojave Desert and Death Valley, which are beautiful in another way; it was amazing to pass from cool green lush forested mountains down to the desolate hot red rock expanse in a couple of hours, and it made the day all the more special.

The heat didn't slow my progress at all, and I made it to the south-eastern border by nightfall. It got real cold overnight, but I was warmed by memories of the day; sights, smells and sounds that will stay with me forever. I slept soundly.

Oi'l be gone in Oregon

US 3: Oregon

I continued along the Cascades into Oregon, and popped down to the 'Rose City' of Portland for breakfast; I recommend the eggs sunny side up, and just love getting those coffee refills.

Yep, it was hard to drag myself away, but I made it in the end, and full of carbs and caffeine I almost bounced back up the Cascades.

I enjoyed the late morning, running through dense forests that seemed to stretch all the way up to the sky. After ascending Mt. Hood I slid down the glaciers to the shores of Trillium Lake, which I then cooled off in under a glorious sky.

I'd heard Oregon had a lot of diversity, and I wanted to see it, so I made my way down to the scrublands, prairies, and deserts in the afternoon, before visiting Crater Lake National Park in the evening.

Ending the long day in the pristine lake was serene, and I congratulated myself on a well planned day and journey through Oregon.

Washing in Washington

U.S. 2: Washington state

Leaving Kodiak Island soon after sunrise I swam and I swam, passing Yukon and British Columbia, which brought back good memories, until I reached Washington state just after midday. I was cold and tired, but wasn't too hungry, as there'd been a steady supply of seaweed on the way.

After a bit of a kip under a refreshing drizzle I made my way to Seattle and Aberdeen, before climbing up to the Cascade mountains; I travelled south over them during the day, passing Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and finally Mount Adams.

I'd eaten an evening meal on Mount Rainier, overlooking Lake Reflection and Tacoma, which was nice. By the time I got to Mount Adams I was just about done in, and was happy to get myself some shuteye.

It had been a tough day, but I'd made good progress.

I'll ask her in Alaska

U.S. 1: Alaska

Crossing from the Yukon into Alaska I said goodbye to Canada and hello to the U.S. As I freeswam down the Yukon River there seemed little difference between the two countries, with wondrous nature in both. The bloody salmon were a bit of a nuisance though, jumping out of the water and hitting me on the bonce all the time!

I lunched in Fairbanks, and feeling re-energised I crossed the Alaska Range, including Mt. McKinley during the afternoon. Great views.

I arrived at Anchorage before dark, and crossed over to Kodiak Island for a good night's kip. No sign of any bears thankfully!!

You can in the Yukon

CT3: Yukon

Entering the Yukon, snow and ice slowed my progress in the morning, but I made it past many rivers to reach Wolf Lake by lunchtime. Needless to say, it was nice to reach a lake named after me...or one of my kind...and I spent a couple of hours eating and swimming in the vicinity.

After sleeping off the food I picked myself off the grass and soon got some pace going. I reached Whitehorse a few hours later, and stocked up on food there. Then I ran like a gazelle through the Ibex Valley, and reached the Saint Elias Mountains in Kluane National Park and Reserve by evening. I climbed Mount Logan during the night, and made it to the 5,959 m (19,551 ft) peak by sunrise; I felt on top of the world, and was actually on the top of Canada's world, as it's the country's highest mountain.

I could see Alaska from the top, and that meant my Canadian journey was almost over. I had really enjoyed my trek from west to east, and east to west, and hope you did too.

Heading north-west in the Northwest territories

CT2: Northwest territories

Leaving Nunavut, I headed west, and reached Fort Smith in time for lunch. After that I headed north and reached the southern shore of the Great Slave Lake at Fort Resolution. Resting up there, while watching the wonderful nature around me, lifted my spirits after a hard journey.

I then made my way around the lake, to Dawson Landing and Hay River, before swimming across the lake to Yellowknife for supper.

As the evening drew in, I continued north-west, and reached the Nahanni National Park Reserve by midnight. I climbed the Mackenzie Mountains, crossed the Nahanni River at Lafferty's Riffle, and marvelled at the Virginia Falls.

It had been an exhausting but invigorating day, and I had reached the border with the Yukon as planned.

Noon at Nunavut

CT1: Nunavut

I swam and I swam, through icy seas, trying to keep the eastern coast of Newfoundland in sight.

And then I saw land ahead, as well as to my left, and I knew I was approaching Nunavut, a frozen land of the north.

I reached land at Baffin Bay, a partof Nunavut, in the late morning, and had lunch at noon on the edge of Iqualuit.

Then I travelled overland to Cape Dorset, before leaving Baffin Bay. I stopped off for a break at Coral Harbour, hey come on, I'd done a lot of swimming, before reaching Chesterfield Inlet by the evening. I then went overland down to Whale Cove, before travelling inland to Cambridge Bay, where I rested up for the night.

I'd enjoyed the day, although it had been quite exhausting, and was happy to have made such good progress, considering the difficult conditions.

I used http://www.gov.nu.ca/education/eng/images/Nunavutmap.gif to plan my route.

Where's the prince? And another thing...

After a bit of a lie-in, I swam back across the Labrador sea in the morning, arriving on an eastern beach of Prince Edward Island by noon. I felt something nipping at my heels as I swam, and thought it might be some labradors finally making their presence felt.

On the way I passed the eastern tip of Nova Scotia, and remembered my time spent in that province only a few days previously.

I kind of expected a royal welcome upon arrival on Prince Edward Island, but there was no-one to be seen. Not even a lord or lady. I guess they must have been on some visit or other. I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a tad disappointed.

So I made my way over to Charlottetown, and guess what, there was no Charlotte to be seen. By this time I was highly vexed, and just sat in the park for a while, trying to get my head around it. No Prince Edward, no royalty, no Charlotte, what kind of an island is this?

Well, to cut a long story short, I couldn't get my head around it, and was so disappointed I decided to return to Newfoundland that afternoon.

So I decided to get the heck out of there. I swam out into the Atlantic Ocean, and was enjoying the icy waters so much I decided to head straight for Nunavut.

Leaving behind the provinces, I would land in the territories the next day.

New found channels in Newfoundland

N3 3: Newfoundland

I had an early morning swim across to Newfoundland, landing just east of Channel-Port Aux Basques.

So I made my way over to the picturesque town, and had a brekkie of eggs and toast, and hot coffee.

Refreshed and energised I then made my way up to Fleur de Leys, for a good view of the Labrador Sea. I didn't see any Labradors though, and don't know if I scared them away or what?

I then headed back down south, to Harbour Breton, which is to the east of Channel-Port Aux Basques, and just as nice in my view. It was really nice and quiet during the whole journey, and I was able to let my mind wander.

After an afternoon and evening spent cavorting in and around Harbour Breton I made my way back up to Channel-Port Aux Basques before nightfall, so I would be ready to swim to Prince Edward Island in the morning.

Super Nova Scotia

N3 2: Nova Scotia

I travelled down to Halifax in Nova Scotia overland, and there was something about that name, Halifax, that reminded me of something in my past; a past I cannot remember before waking in British Columbia.

After breakfast in Halifax I travelled north overland, and then across the sea to Cape Bretton Island. It was a lovely swim, if a little on the chilly side.

I made it to Sydney for lunch, which also reminded me of my past somehow, and ended up staying there for the rest of the day. It was very pleasant, with Newfoundland visible across the bay.

I would reach there the next day, after first stopping off on Prince Edward Island.

New bathing in Bathurst, New Brunswick.

N3 1: New Brunswick

I hit New Brunswick in the morning, after swimming over from Quebec. Bathurst was my first stop, and I had a nice breakfast there, before crossing overland to Fredericton and then on the road to Moncton. I ended the day in Monctor, relieved that New Brunswick wasn't as big as the Basmoq provinces, and my paws had a bit of a rest.

Nova Scotia lay over the border, and I looked forward to reaching there the next day.

Quintessential Quebec

Basmoq 6: Quebec

Crossing into Quebec I first travelled south cross-country to Montreal, and then up to Quebec City, where I lunched on the waterfront.

After a post-lunch dip in the briny, it was east to Riv-du-loop. I thought about heading straight to New Brunswick from there, but I had time, and I was enjoying Quebec, so I continued up around the horn to Rimouski and Gaspe, before resting on the eastern border.

I had reached the end of my travels across Basmoq, and would enter N3 the next day.

On to Ontario

Basmoq 5: Ontario

I had a water stop at Kenora, and then travelled as fast as my paws would take me to Thunder Bay, where I had a long relaxing lunch at the waterfront. Reinvigorated and replenished, I swam across to Nipigeon, and then ran like the wind to Marathon, and from there down to Wawa. Then it was west again to Sault Ste Marie, with Wisconsin just across the lake. I had supper there, as the sun set across the lake, with the colours reflecting off the lake leaving a lasting impression on me. Then I took the road to Sudbury, before travelling cross-country to North Bay. I ended up sleeping there, with the last leg of Basmoq over the border. The next day I would reach Quebec.

Mooching through Manitoba

The greenygrey lives at www.greenygrey.co.uk

Basmoq 4: Manitoba

After crossing into Manitoba I travelled straight down to Dauphin. There was a straight road through Manitoba, but I had time, so I decided to travel up to the lakes for a proper look at Manitoba. So I headed north, through some great scenery, to Le Pas and then Flin Flon, which bordered Saskatchewan; I thought it was quite ironic that I'd been travelling all day and was back on the border! But I'd seen some great scenery, so I had no regrets.

From Flin Flon I travelled through some beautiful countryside as I travelled alongside Lake Winnipeg to Grand Rapids, and down to Winnipeg. I ate supper in Winnipeg before setting off again, hoping to reach the border with Ontario by dusk.

Reaching water again told me I'd succeeded, and I slept well under a full moon.

I used http://www.canadamaps.info/ to plan my journey.

Socialising with Sasquatches in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Basmoq 3: Saskatchewan

You know how it is when you haven't met someone, and you don't know if you're going to get along; well, that's exactly how I felt as I crossed from Alberta into Saskatchewan.

And not only was I entering the unknown; it was for a meeting with the Sasquatches. Now, I was as ignorant about these creatures as you probably are, having only seen grainy pictures of them on television and in magazines or newspapers. You know, their cousins looked pretty nice in Bigfoot and the Hendersons, but you don't know if Hollywood is providing an accurate picture do you; am I right or what? And even if Bigfoots are nice, does that mean Sasquatches are too.

Well, anyway, I digress. Back to the road trip. Crossing the border I passed through Swift Current to Moose Jaw, where I stopped for lunch; not on moose jaws or anything of course, being a veggie. From there I cut across above Regina, and was going to head straight into Manitoba, but then got the invite from the Sasquatches to tea in Saskatoon. To tell you the truth I could have done without it, as I was already weary from the day's journey, but I kind of felt obliged to accept, as it's not every day you get an invite from a fellow mythical creature; and there's not many of us left in the world you know.

So up I went, travelling north through unspoilt countryside, until suddenly in the distance I could see about a dozen sasquatches with a big 'Welcome GreenyGrey' sign on a hill. It was great to see after a hard day's travelling, and I headed over in their direction. And what can I say about the evening, it was just superb; they put on a great feast for me, and we drank and danced all night long. I'm telling you, Big Foot and the Hendersons doesn't do them justice as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I ended up staying over although I hadn't intended to, and it was with a heavy heart that I bade farewell to the sasquatch village in the morning. The evening had invigorated a jaded greenygrey, and I made good time in the morning. After passing through Yorkton I was on the Manitoba border by lunchtime; would I ever return to Saskatchewan or see the sasquatches again? I certainly hoped so.

For my travels in Canada I used the maps at: http://www.canadamaps.info/

Greeny Grey rambles across Alberta

Basmoq 2: Alberta

Crossing into Alberta I first stopped at Grand Prairie, which looked nice under clear blue skies, before heading down to Jasper and Banff for some good mountain action; yes it was great to get amongst the trees and snow once more, running and rolling about like a bear cub! Then I skirted around the edge of Calgary, and on to Medicine Hat on the eastern edge of the province.

Goodbye Alberta, hello Saskatchewan.

The GreenyGrey starts to ramble on

Basmoq 1: British Columbia

I awoke in Victoria on Vancouver Island, hungry and hazy. I swam and I swam, through icy waters towards snow-capped mountains visible on the distant horizon. At times it looked as if they would never come closer, that I would swim for eternity without reaching them, but eventually I did reach land at Vancouver. After drying myself off in the sun, and feeding on fine fruit and verdant vegetables I travelled north to William's Lake, Prince George, and the eastern edge of British Columbia at Dawson's Creek.