Lots of things have been going on. Two new books have been released. ‘The Golden Disc of the Mayans’ came out in KINDLE and paperback versions on Aug. 13, 2025. It’s the third book in the Lizard Key Series following the adventures of the modern-day pirate, Nick Roberts. And now, the second book in the Victor Grant, Private Detective series, ‘DRAGON EYES’ was released on Oct. 28 in both KINDLE and paperback versions. All books are available through AMAZON BOOKS. Just type in my name and they should all come up.
I have been negligent in posting some photos from our trip to the Philippines and Indonesia from last year. There will now be a few photos posted, including some from the USS Liberty located in Bali. The ship was torpedoed in 1942. None of the crew were killed and the ship was being towed to Singaraja for repairs but was taking on too much water, so it was beached at Tulamben. There it sat for many years until March 17, 1963, when the volcano Mount Agung erupted. The eruption and earthquakes killed 1500 people and the USS Liberty slid from its spot on the beach into deeper water where it lies today.
Got some photos of Manta rays (although the water wasn’t as clear as I would have liked), a pile of sting rays, sea horses, turtles (always love turtles), etc.
We just got back from South America, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands and Peru. We made it to Machu Picchu and there are a few pictures from that trip as well. It was the dry season in Galapagos and Peru, which was good. Galapagos looks like a desert during the dry season, but everything turns green at the first rain. The animals there seem to have no fear of humans. Sea lions come right up on wharfs where people are walking to nurse their pups. They just put some cones around them, and no one bothers them. The famous tortoises can weigh up to 500 lbs and there are lots of them. They have the run of the islands. Blue footed boobies nest along the walking trails and don’t fly off when people walk by.
Machu Picchu is quite an experience. There is a limited number of people allowed entry each day and only a few allowed to go to the top area. We were lucky having scheduled our visit months in advance and were able to go to the top. Perfect weather until about the last 40 minutes when it rained… a lot. I can’t imagine trying to see it during the wet season.
While in Peru you have to try the local food… so I had an alpaca burger, and we had cuy… Guinea pig. And, no, it doesn’t taste like chicken. Also, the Pisco Sour cocktail is very good… especially at altitude. It hits you fast.