The Flying Tortoise Has Been In New Zealand's Far North Again...

As many of you know, Tokerau Beach on the Karikari Peninsular in New Zealand's Far North is one of my favouritist of places to freedom camp and these images will remind you why.
I've been here for a couple of weeks trying to catch some fish.
But that's another story...

The Colim Caravan. A Simple And Clever Concept...

The brainchild of German designer Christian Susana, the Colim (Colours Of Life In Motion) Camper is a simple and very clever example of thinking outside the square.
It's a very intelligent idea for the mobile home,
a combination of the caravan, fifth wheeler and motorhome.
The Colim has the advantages of a caravan
and the advantages of a motorhome all neatly morphed onto one creative concept.
The little detachable vehicle seats two and is reminiscent of the 'Smart Car' you've seen on the roads.
For now the Colim is only a concept but I'd expect someone will manufacture it soon.
There's more here...

A Very Happy Birthday To You Leonard Cohen...

Canada's favourite son, Leonard Cohen, songwriter, poet, counter culture icon and consummate ladies' man turned 78 today.
Since 1967, the remarkable Leonard Cohen has inspired generations with his unique personality and haunting music, becoming one of the world's most original and enduring artists.
Happy Birthday Mr Cohen...

Roussillon. The Beautiful Ochre-Red Village In France...

The French commune of Roussillon is located
in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur area.
It's famous for it's magnificent red cliffs and
its ochre quarries.
Ochre being a natural dye derived from clay containing hydrated iron oxide, has been used medicinally and as a colouring for houses, clothes and bodies since prehistoric times.
The residents of Roussillon, classified
as one of the most beautiful villages in France, have always used the ochre deposits to provide natural red, brown and yellow hues to
their architecture.
There's more here...

Ninety Billionaires Join The Buffett-Gates Charity And Pledge To Give Away Half Their Fortunes...

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is
one of the richest people on the planet.
He and his wife Melinda have so far given away twenty eight billion dollars through
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
They joined forces with  billionaire Warren Buffett, another well known philanthropist, and between them have been instrumental in seeing, so far, ninety other billionaires coming on board the Buffett-Gates Charity.
Named 'The Giving Pledge', the members pledge to give away half their fortunes.
The list includes familiar names and there are, I'm delighted to say, too many to list here.
And there'd be a lawsuit if I left someone off.
Even though I'm not a member of their charity,
I'm very happy to support their wonderful philanthropy on this blog...

This Bicycle Could Be Your Second Car...

Bakfiets are distinctive Dutch Cargo Bikes with the carry area in the front of the rider.
They've become increasingly popular outside the Netherlands but as practical as they are, the older versions were rather heavy.
The Dutch designers of the Urban Arrow took all these things and more into consideration when they designed their new electric powered-assist Urban Cargo Carrier.
It's intended to be a green replacement for the second car and won an innovation award when unveiled at the Eurobike Trade Fair a while ago.
You can check out its features here...

A Home On Wheels. If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It...

Some homes on wheels to delight and perchance inspire you.
Some little, big and in between, housebuses
and housetrucks, homes on the road, full time or just for a few weeks here or sometimes there.
From the simple to the complex, there's something for everyone.
Life on the road, on a journey to somewhere.
If you can dream it, you can do it...