Ivan's adventure in Big Bear

Ivan has wasted no time since his trip to Costa Rica and spent a lovely weekend in Big Bear, CA.

Ivan is relieved to see the vacancy sign at Eagle's Nest.

Ivan assumes the co-pilot position in the boat. He isn't all that helpful, seeing as he's facing the wrong way but his owners humor him.

Ivan realises that he needs to be facing outwards and assumes the responsability of sat nav reporting any obstacles. Dan meanwhile takes charge of the wheel.

Ivan hurls himself off the boat so that they can moor it. Despite his size he's a dab hand at tying knots.

Back at the Eagles Nest, Ivan befriends a miniature horse who can relate to his size issues.

The conversation is abruptly ended when an eagle swoops and mistakes Ivan for a tasty dinner. (Ivan meanwhile is terrified as he's not good with heights in the best of circumstances let alone while suspended from the beak of a giant eagle.)

Ivan has the narrowest of escapes and the eagle deciding that felt isn't all that tasty drops him in the ocean and as luck would have it he lands in the same spot he began the day in, minus the driver. It's going to be a long night..........

Thanks to Angel and Dan for keeping the FTB spirit alive and well. More FTB action from Troy, Marlene and Chauncey.

Ivan in Costa Rica

Introducing Ivan, one of the newest members of the FTB clan. He recently took a trip to Costa Rica with his owners Angel and Dan. The local landscape suited him and as you will see he's very photogenic and not afraid to get close to nature.

Ivan is packed up securely but he pops out for a better look.

Ivan waits in the queue to check in for his flight.


Flight over, he arrives in Costa Rica ready for his adventure.
From his lofted position he is able to view all the shops in the mall. Ivan makes his first friend in Costa Rica.

Ivan is waning in the heat and starts looking for some shelter.


Ivan finds a similarly coloured plant to pose against. It looks like a delicate umbrella which provides a little shade.

Time to take a break and where better than the biggest leaf* in the world, out of the sun Ivan is very content. (*not really but it looks really big)

Thanks to Angel and Dan for the great pictures. I look forward to more Ivan adventures. Coming soon Chauncey's Travel's around the US, Wilbur in Happy Valley and hopefully Hans in India. Stay tuned.

Ethel, Wade, Hairy Hank and Samson in Thailand

Ethel, Wade, Hairy Hank and Samson had a holiday that only most of us can dream about. Fancy hotels, beach bungalows and private tour guides. They enjoyed their time in Thailand tremendously. Here are a small portion of the holiday pics, more to follow. Thanks to Ciara for taking her FTB's everywhere !

The intrepid foursome at the Airport, eagerly await the boarding call for their flight.

No sooner have they landed and the sightseeing begins. First stop, well it's Buddha of course. This one is rather large. Ethel hasn't seen this much gold since she bumped into C-3P0 at a Star Wars convention.

Ethel is usually more of a horse and carriage type, but despite her reservations she takes to elephant riding like a pro. Wade on the other hand was a bit acrophobic, its a long way up when you're 3 1/2 inches tall.

Aaagh, Bamboo beach and its time to get the swimsuits out. Ethel and Wade are both waning in the heat.

Ethel at the Grand Palace.


After a hard day's sightseeing it's time to hit the mini bar and recover from the heat with some A/C.

Ethel settles for a movie whilst reclining on her palatial pillow. More news from Ethel coming soon.....

Stanley in Kenya

Stanley was very lucky and is the first ftb to travel to Africa. Kenya to be precise. His owner Tamaan reports that Stanley saw Masai people and got some jewellery." He loved it. He did not want to come back."

Stanley mounts an indigenous animal that has been cast in metal.

He quickly spies an outdoor market and more importantly a parking spot. Who would have thought that it would be hard to find parking in Nairobi?
After a spot of shopping Stanley was sent off to find the car which unfortunately was white like so many others.......

Thanks to Tamaan for taking Stanley on a such a wonderful trip.