A cool concert and some cross country hiking.

Click here to listen.

So this week, we have a 2 part show for you.


In the first part, Gregamundo and Simon discuss Simon's awesome weekend, where he got to see Harry Connick Jr in concert, complete with back stage passes. It was not just a regular concert though. This was a big deal, as Harry has been an important part of the life of Simon's niece. She's very sick (terminally) and has been a big fan of Harry's since she was 7. 

Simon's niece, just before her diagnosis.

Since learning of her predicament, he has invited her to concerts and spent a lot of time communicating with her, and seeing her whenever possible....all without any publicity. He's a genuine and very decent guy: a rarity in the music business. Simon was at first reluctant to disclose any of this, but decided to discuss some of the details, as it was such a good event and Harry deserves a great deal of credit for what he's done.  The concert was at the Saratoga Mountain Winery, which is a gorgeous outdoor venue in Northern California, seats about 1500-2000 people and is a stone's throw from Simon's house. 

After the show we had back stage passes to meet Harry and once Simon introduced himself, he knew immediately who he was and was incredibly friendly and chatty, commenting on the bravery of Simon's niece and the strength of his sister. It was, as you can imagine, a rather wonderful event and made Simon's year, let alone week.

After discussing this, Greg announces some bloody big news, about something which puts him into the minority among Americans. 


Then we switch to a portable recording we made the day before, with our friend Macy. 

An example of Simon's day job...a photo of Macy.

She and another friend hiked the UK's Coast to Coast trail, covering about 15-20 miles a day, with elevation changes of between 2000-3000 feet per day.....it's a big deal to do day after day for a week or so.  They documented the adventure, complete with gorgeous photos on Macy's blog...it's definitely worth looking at and reading. They passed through some of the UK's most gorgeous landscapes, taking in Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Rosthwaite, Grasmere, (the home of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter), Ullswater, out to Shap, and eventually onto Richmond in Yorkshire, (Simon's place of origin), before catching a train up to Edinburgh for a few days of luxury before heading home. She tells us all about her adventure and experiences. As a result, we're planning an afternoon out at a local English style tea shop.

This is the photo that Simon thought was just amazing, looking down the valley of Buttermere from near Haystacks.....a view he knows well and adores.


Take a look at the links. There's a lot of great information here. It was a great weekend!


Closing music is a snippet from "The Hidden Step" by Ozric Tentacles of course!


BMSMA!


G&S