I’m sitting at the bus station waiting for my bus and a Rick Perry (current Governor of Texas) has just announced that he is running for President. Vote for him and he will ensure America saves the world. Unbelievable! The world would be a better place if they didn’t try and save it! America is flat out saving itself. Who really believes this crap. This guy is an idiot. Take a deep breath…
I’m now in Merced at Wimpy’s burgers enjoying a burger with fries and root beer, and free wifi! I’m staying in Merced at a privately run hostel. Larry and Janice are an elderly couple who have converted their now childless house into a hostel. I’ve come to Merced to prepare for trekking in the Yosemite National Park. Merced is close and the park is very accessible from here with several buses running daily.
Merced is about three hours south east of San Francisco. About 80,000 people live here and according to Larry, was hit hard by the collapsing property market. Merced is one of the towns most effected by foreclosures in the whole of the USA. It isn’t obvious to my eye yet. The weather is much warmer than freezing San Francisco.
angusmccoll 
Kev and Dee just dropped by and got me on your blog. Merced! That is where we started John Muir of course. Just back from Doon andRoy’s for Roy’s 50th. It was a great turn out and a good party. You were missed! Where’s Angus?
All the best in Yosemite!
Hi Tim, great to hear from you. Hope Roy turned 50 gracefully! Head for Yosemite tomorrow so probably no blogging for a while. Psyching up for the bear encounters!!
Hi Angus
I become a “follower”.
Keep the blogs coming.
Cheers
Tony Freeman
Hi Tony, great to have you on board. I hope to not make it too boring!
Hi Angus, can not wait for you to write about Yosemite National Park!! We are having some great weather here in Cairns and the ground is so dry. Watering for a little while this morning, but the plants are still looking thirsty. Love reading your blog!
Cheers
Janie
Hi Janie, thanks for the Cairns update. I do like to hear what is happening back there. Now psyching myself up for inevitable bear encounters in Yosemite!