EV 980 Balancing Acts by Nudd

[dr b]

Greetings from across the briny. This was a fine puzzle with plenty of thematic material to keep you busy. I must say I had a hard time tracking down a few of the components of the 4 down clues, lacking a comprehensive list of all the possibilities.

Some of you have seen these, but for those who cannot resist being bored to tears by someone else's vacation pictures, here are a few from this year's Sierras trek. it rained the first 3 days; coupled with double the normal snow in the Sierras this winter, it was a wet hike.

http://tinyurl.com/44ofwhd

I will also be gone for next week's EV, as we'll be dropping off my youngest at school at then heading out for our first empty-nester vacation.

[devadolly]

Wow drb - that looks like really hard work, I feel all weak and washed out just looking at the trekkers! What wonderful views though, I presume it is the Rockies???????

As to EV am pottering along but haven't a clue about what it is all about yet and don't have enough letters to make a coherent sentence. Slow going as v busy day preparing to leave tomorrow to travel to Cheltenham to see my sister. She had a very bad stroke 5 years ago and it has left her disabled mentally as well as physically so it's all a bit 'full on' when we go as we like to give Bro-in-law a bit of a rest. Christina will be amused to know I am getting rid of a few tonnes of fruit to stock their freezer!!
Will try to see what everyone is up to via her (unused) computer.

[dr b]

Hi dd; the Sierras in are in California, whereas the Rockies are a bit further east, running down through Colorado.

[devadolly]

Thganks drb, it was S America I studied for A Level in the olden days! Still looks pretty rough terrain.

[kayakamina]

I agree with dr b that this was a very good puzzle. In addition to some well disguised extra letters, there was the clever, and difficult, thematic
parts.
I found my Bradford essential in tracking down the two sets of components
and a quick google for the attribution of the quote.

Thanks Nudd.

[x_word_fan]

All completed - BUT can someone please enlighten me about 33a - surely the wordplay indicates the answer should start with M rather than B

[kayakamina]

33a Beermat - coaster. Less er( hesitation) less extra letter T

= Bema - rostrum

[x_word_fan]

Thank you - I was fixated on MA(T) without (outside of) ER

[DocHH]

Hello everyone,
Got home today after visiting friends in the Midlands, clutching a blank EV 980 grid! Didn't take too long to populate most of the grid, but it wasn't until I'd twigged the first component of 5d, that I realised the responsibility that the other group were carrying!
Well, dr b, some more stunning photos, certainly not boring. I'm not sure I'd be tempted however to rinse my hair in Sierra water, even at this time of year! A tad chilly for my liking. I suspect that although you and your wife may be seting out for your first empty-nester vacation, it will be sometime yet before your wallet enjoys empty-nester experiences!

devadolly, I hope Cheltenham will not be too taxing. I am sure your Brother-in-law will be greatly appreciative of your presence. Hopefully you will get some "quality time" while away.

[dr b]

Hi & goodbye Doc (we wave as we pass each other going through the door). The head dunk was quite necessary given the conditions. See you for 982!

[haggis58]

Kayakamina

Have solved all clues, identified the quote and highlighted the 'work'. However I am completely stumped by the stumpy chap that appers in the first part of 1d. I have searched and searched but cannot come up with a solution. Unless I have gone wrong somewhere I have the following letters a?b???ch. I do not have a Bradford so any help?

[dr b]

If you enter a?b???ch into http://www.onelook.com/, he pops right up.

[haggis58]

Thanks Dr b - have now finished.

[kayakamina]

Hi haggis

Glad you've finished.
dr b jumped in before I had chance to answer your query to me.

[ringer]

Quite a satisfying puzzle - it kept me guessing for a long time.
Dr b - superb photos, though I must admit the concept is a little too energetic for my idea of a vacation! I've just returned from a week in the Isle of Man - it was my husband's idea of heaven, with all the different modes of transport. For me, the novelty of the horse-drawn trams waned after a few days. Still - my turn to choose the venue next year - I fancy a river cruise in Germany or France - any suggestions?

[DocHH]

Hello Ringer,
Some years ago I had a colleague who took a cruise along the Rhine. He said it was enjoyable and that the views were stunning. The only cruise we have been on was when we visited a cousin in Florida, she arranged a 4 night mini-cruise around the Bahamas out of Miami. Neither of us liked the constraint of limited walks, so would think twice about booking a cruise holiday. On the otherhand, Herself's sister and brother-in-law love going on cruises, they enjoyed the one they took through the Norwegian Fjords. Scenery will definitely be stunning there!

[Christiana]

Hi all. Great photos dr. b. Yes, Devadolly, amused by your disposal of fruit. I went to a play reading group and off loaded some there this morning. People are beginning to groan when they seem me appearing with carrier bags full of plums, and now apples too.
Found this a satisfying and not too challenging EV, having located the quote early on. That is, apart from 31d for which I have what I'm sure is the answer but not really getting the golf course connection. I assume it's a 'sounds like' situation, but need one of you sportsmen to help me out.

[Shoni70]

I have completed the solutions ( I hope correctly ! ) and have all the components required except for the second in 5 down which in my opinion has the letters BA-GI. Having searched everywhere I cannot come across this answer. Can you please help.

[Christiana]

Hi Shoni - your letters are correct. Try Norse mythology. Or list of .... in Wikipedia.

[Shoni70]

Christiana you are a peach. Thank you for leading me in the right direction. Had previously searched high and low for the answer, but nothing forthcoming even from Bradford. Many thanks once again.

[turnerjmw]

Hi all, Christiana, re 31dn, Golf is simply G (radio alphabet), and "course echoing" is ROTA backwards. No sports prowess or interest required!