Tour Managers Tales

California and the Golden West - a Titan Tour

2019-09-25T06:02:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone, I do hope that all had a safe journey to your homes. As promised here is the group photo, just right click and and save to your own devices.

Titan CAL 0909 @ Big Sur

I do hope that you all enjoyed the 2613 miles that we covered on our California adventure, and I hope to see all again on another Titan Tour.

Come back to the blog again soon, I will be listing my tours for 2020 in the next few weeks.

Take care and remember ..... friends are like stars, we may not always see them, but we always know they are there.... Richard

Vegas, Parks and Canyons - A Titan Tour - June 2019

2019-06-19T02:02:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone, I hope that you arrived home safely, now its time to sit down and go through all the photos ..... I have added some photos below, I will probably add some more .. when I find more time !!!.

It was an “Amazing” tour, with an “Amazing” select group, I hope that I may see you again one day, enjoy the memories, if you would like any of the pics ... just click on it and save to your device.

Take care everyone, Richard

Canyonlands

New Zealand Discovery a Titan Tour

2019-03-26T04:44:00.000+00:00

Hi everyone, sorry for the delay in posting the group photo. I hope that you have all recovered from the adventure, great meeting you all, and I hope to see you again soon.

Beirut, 🇱🇧

2018-09-16T20:13:00.000+01:00

In August I took a trip to somewhere I have wanted to visit for many years, Beirut, Lebanon.

I was a bit apprehensive as the country lies on the edge of a war zone, but there was no reason to be. This is a country that could do with some tourism to help boost the leisure economy. There are lots of good standard reasonably priced hotels all over the city from hostels to five star. I picked the Crowne Plaza, it is in the heart of Hamra, which is described as the place to be.... lots of bars and restaurants, from corner take aways to expensive, there is something to suit everyone and very budget. Currency is no problem, they use the US$ which is exchanged at 1500 Lebanese, no need to change money, pay in $$ and get your change sometimes in Lebanese.

The people are friendly and when in bars people will talk to you, if like me you might find it initially difficult to get your head around the mix of cultures in the bars especially Muslims and Christians all drinking and eating happily beside each other ... it can be done !!!!

While there we booked a driver and guide for a day sightseeing, we started with a drive to Byblos further along the coast, what a charming little fishing village, again lots of restaurants and a few good hotels. This is where I will spend time when I come back to Lebanon. The history is amazing, from Roman to Phoenician all mixed together.

On the return to Beirut we visited the mosque, what an impressive building, relatively new, and surrounded by ruins of recent wars, as well as some beautiful buildings, including Orthodox, Catholic churches, as well as a Synagogue.

The City Hall and Parliament buildings are all very impressive.

All around the city are reminders of the past, good and bad. Beirut is a city in recovery, given time it will be great again. I wish it well and a speedy recovery.

Travelling to Lebanon, we flew with British Airways, a daily service, from Heathrow with a flying time of around 4hrs 30mins. Visas are issued on arrival, (but you should always check before travelling), we had pre booked a taxi transfer, I found this to be the cheapest and most convenient way, the driver was waiting in arrivals and it took approx 30 minutes to get to the hotel. Cost $25. As mentioned we stayed at the Crowne Plaza, a decent 4 star hotel, breakfast was good, but it was based on local food options, which we liked. Depending on the room type prices range from $90.

Restaurant and bar prices can be a bit expensive, look for the Happy Hours.... good prices. The thing that I really didn’t like, was .... smoking in the bars, most bars are small, so there is no getting away from it. One of my favourite cocktail bars .. Vesper, on Makdisi Street, great drinks reasonable prices and friendly bar staff.

Las Vegas, Parks and Canyons a Titan Tour (May/June 2018)

2018-06-10T17:21:00.002+01:00

Hello,

I hope everyone is well, we have been back a week …. where does the time go ? since getting back I have been in Spain and now in Portugal, Villamoura down on the Algarve for a few days. I hope that all my adventure travellers from the Parks and Canyon tour have arrived home and all was well. As promised here are some of memories of our time together, I really enjoyed the tour, you folks were great company, wish you were still with me …… okey dokey !!!! … if you want to download a pic, just right click it and save and its all yours. Most of you will have some good pics of your own, I know they are good … I took them … 👍. Hope to see you all again soon.

Vegas, Park and Canyons, Group at Monument Valley

Monument Valley

"Forest Gump" view of Monument Valley

Sunset on the Colorado River at Moab

Moon on the Colorado at Moab

Moon over the Colorado at Moab

Arches National Park, Moab

Island in the Sky @ Canyonlands

Bryce Canyon

Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon

Grand Canyon, North Rim

Zion Nation Park

Zion National Park

Grand Designs of Portugal - Operated by Titan Travel

2018-05-09T22:27:00.005+01:00

Another great Grand Designs of Portugal coming to an end, I have had a great time with a fantastic group. Here are a few pics that I have taken along the way ....

Cockburns Port Cellar, Porto

Santa Luiza

Sunrise over the Serra Estrella

Sunset over the Atlantic, from Viano do Castelo

Happy Easter

2018-03-30T04:23:00.003+01:00

Happy Easter everyone, I hope that you all have a great weekend with lots of chocolate.

It is a week since I returned from another great trip to New Zealand, oh how I hate that flight.

Once again I had a fantastic group, I hope that you have all recovered, laundry done, photos edited, relatives and neighbours summoned to the viewing, and to listen to the stories of the great adventure. Seriously I do hope that you all had a great time and have some happy memories.

I have, as promised posted below some photos from the trip, enjoy. If you wish a copy just right click and save.

Best of New Zealand March 2018

Mirror Lake

Eglington Valley from Mirror Lake ( Milford Sound Road)

Milford Sound

Mount Cook

Mount Cook (Sunrise)

Hokianga

Copthorne Hotel grounds Paihia (Bay of Islands)

Sunrise over the Bay of Islands

Huka Falls (Taupo - Waikato River)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2017-12-13T12:50:00.000+00:00

2017 ... update ..

2017-07-16T15:19:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping by .. I have been very quiet on here lately ...sorry about that. (note to self .. must try harder).

Once again this year is flying along, I started the year hunting the lights, the Nothern Lights on a short break from Tromso in Norway, a few nights aboard the wonderful Hurtigruten, the lights were not great but good enough to know what we were looking at.

I spent March in the Southern States and celebrated my birthday in New Orleans, it was a great time my dear friend/driver Anthony arranged a card and a sing song after I had told him to say nothing ...I haven't been down south since then ..kinda missing it.

April I returned to the Baltics, with stays in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, all very different and all interesting cities each with their own character, well worth a visit if you get the chance.

May I was back in Norway, with three nights in Oslo, and then we took the train to Voss, some fantastic scenery during the trip over the mountains, a few days in Voss with a trip to Flam on the railway and a fjord cruise to Gudvangen, the weather was so nice that day the views were amazing. The final part of the journey to us along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord as we made our way toward Bergen, the final part of this Norwegian break. Bergen as always never fails to please there is just so much going on there, I always love to visit.

I remained in Scandinavia for the last part of May, arrived in Stockholm for a couple of days, and then travelled by train to Copenhagen, this was an experience of a day, train was delayed by 2hrs, due to engineering works, then delayed a further 2 hrs after a train broke down in front of us ... and to top that off the train was terminated n Malmo, leaving us to run luggage and all .. on to a regional train for Copenhagen ...an experience not for the weak .. thanks to all my group ... you were the best. We spent three days in Copenhagen with a city tour and a day to Roskilde (for the Viking Ships) and Frederiksborg.

June .. was Portugal ... 2 groups, heading to Arrialos for a three night stay in the beautiful Pousada, with visits to Estermoz, wine tasting, Vila Viscosa and the lovely Ducal Palace, a visit to the amazing cork factory (the things you can make with cork). We then headed to the mountains, the weather was starting to get a little hot 35c+, we arrived at the Pousada in Vila Pouca de Beira, and one of the most beautiful quiet locations, so relaxing, we had a day in the Serra Estrella, beautiful drive and one that I would highly recommend. During my first visit the heat really did take its toll, you will have read of the terrible fires near Coimbra, this is close, we could smell the burning, and the next day the sky was thick with smoke and ash. It was so sad to read/watch the reports of the loss of life and the destruction the fires had caused. We travelled north to Viana do Castelo, a fantastic base at the Pousada, which sits high above the town, with views over the coast and the mouth of the Lima River. A day was spent visiting the surrounding towns, which are beautiful. A day In Porto, with a compulsory visit to Grahams Winery, this of course ends with a tasting session. The afternoon is then spent in the city with time for sightseeing or a relaxing lunch by the Duoro.

Its July and here I am back in Scandinavia, arrived in Stockholm for a 2 night stay, lots to do in Stockholm, our tour vsited the City Hall and the Wasa museum with a general drive around the city, we were also lucky to there for the Crown Princesses Birthday celebrations, we in Britain are good at pomp and ceremony, but the Swedes know how to through a party !!! Joining the train for the journey to Copenhagen, and a totally seamless journey this time arriving on time. A city tour showed us all the highlights this great city has to offer, the Little Mermaid, the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the fantastic Carlsberg museum, and not forgetting The Tivoli. The weather was not very good and the traffic was terrible, and those damn tourists were everywhere, it was a busy cruise ship day. A day to Roskilde and the Viking boat museum as well as the stunning Frederiksborg.

That is it for the moment, but come back soon.

Best of New Zealand - November 2016

2016-12-10T03:33:00.000+00:00

Hi Everyone,

Remember me ... I am back .... and as always .... sorry ..it has been a while. Once again it has been a very busy year, I am currently in California and will be here until the 21st December.

Here are some pics from New Zealand, thanks to a great group for being patient during the shakes ....... we made it ... here are some of those photographic memories ... right click on any picture and save it... and its yours.

Cape Brett - Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock

Cape Brett - Hole in the Rock

Bottle Nose Dolphins

The beautiful Bay of Islands

Happy Campers

The Old Man of the Forest - Kauri Tree

Mud Pools

The Ferns

Huka Falls

That will be me !!! @ Huka Falls

Lake Pukaki

Mt Cook

Milford Sound

Kea

Road to Milford Sound

Mirror Lakes

Have a great Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year.

December 2015

2015-12-22T09:33:00.002+00:00

Hello Everyone,

Well that is another year nearly over, I have been rerally busy these last few months, which is good for me, but bad for the blog ..... but looking forward to 2016, it is looking like a very busy year, listed below are my planned tour at the moment, which of course are subject to change at any time, If you have the time and would like to join me, it would be great to see you.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year

Book online at .... www.titantravel.co.uk

January 26th - Norway Adventure

February 16th - Land of the Long White Cloud (New Zealand)

March 24th - New York, New York

April 5th and 26th - Southern Sights and Sounds

May 17th - Southern Sights and Sounds

June 2nd - California and Golden West

June 21st - Grand American - Coast to Coast

September 17th - California Coastline and Las Vegas

October 6th - New York, New York

October 18th - Southern Sights and Sounds

November 5th - Best of New Zealand

December 7th - California and Golden West

It is time to travel ... come with me ...

2015-08-12T16:04:00.001+01:00

Hello, been a while again .. I know .... I don't where the time goes !!!

Listed below are my destinations for the remainder of the year.. of course all subject to change at short notice ... Come along and join me ... be great to see you (again) ..

1st - 5th September - Chester Short Break
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/uk/chester-short-break

10th - 14th September - New York New York
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/north-america/usa/new-york-new-york

15th -27th September - Southern Sights and Sounds
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/north-america/usa/the-deep-south/southern-sights-sounds

29th - 10th October - Best of New England in the Fall

http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/north-america/usa/new-england/best-of-new-england-in-the-fall-americas-historic-heart

20th October - 1st November - Southern Sights and Sounds
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/north-america/usa/the-deep-south/southern-sights-sounds

9th - 18th October - Titan Special - Southern Sights and Sounds - Travel Agent Fam Trip
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/north-america/usa/the-deep-south/southern-sights-sounds

11th - 15th December - Christmas Markets of the Danube
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/destinations/europe/christmas-markets-of-the-danube

Titan Travel - Southern Sights and Sounds

2015-08-12T14:00:00.001+01:00

Southern Sights and Sounds

2015-05-07T18:36:00.001+01:00

Southern Sights and Sounds - 21st April - 4th May 2015

Hi all,

Just returned from a tour of the Southern States ( Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana). We arrived in Atlanta, where we spent only one night, we had a city tour in the morning viewing all the great sights that Atlanta has to offer, Civil Rights, Coca Cola and CNN ... and much more. In the afternoon we drove to Chattanooga, to see the Choo Choo !!! .... the following day we took a trip on the Incline Railway .. what superb views of the city ... the afternoon was free for personal sightseeing. It was all about Country music as we headed to Nashville, but we had to pass Lynchburg and have a visit to the Jack Daniels distillery, hic hic ... no chnace there its a dry county, lemonade only. A visit to RCA Studio B, this is one of my favourite museums, standing in the rooms as the great artists Elvis, Dolly Parton, and Jim Reeves, just to name a few. A very moving place .... later it was the Country Music Hall of Fame ... at night it was the Grand Ole Opry ..... what a host of stars came out to see us .... some old names and some new ... what a great night. Saying goodbye to Nashville we headed to Tupelo, the birthplace of ... Elvis. Then continuing with the music, it was on to Memphis. A short walk to Beale Street, and into the heart of the Blues and Soul music, dinner in a fantastic restaurant ... catfish po'boys ... later excellent music in BB Kings. Next day it was off to Graceland for a visit to the home of Elvis. In the afternoon it was Sun Studios, again following in the steps of some off the greatest names in music. Time for a break from the music, and look at some history as we headed for Vicksburg, where the Civil War was far from civil ..... a great introduction and tour with the local guide Myra. Back to the music as we made our way to New Orleans .... once settled we took a walk ending up in Bourbon Street, where the night life was getting under way ....., jazz and blues and soul ... you name name it was there .... .A night out on the Mississippi paddle steamer the Natchez, great music and dancing. Next morning is was the swamp tour, not my favourite place to be, but after certain assurances from Captain Tom .... I took my first and probably last swamp tour, it was a great experience and I did enjoy it ... the little gators and raccoons were delightful ..and the scenery was amazing. Leaving New Orleans after 3 great days ... we stared the journey to Houston, with a stop in Lafayette where we had a Cajun dinner and dancing..

Here are some of the obligatory photos .... enjoy.

George - One in a milliion .....

Cajun dinner

Cajun Dinner

who said I didn't like gators ...

Old cabin in the swamp

Hungry gator !!!

Dancing on the Natchez

Mississippi Sunset over New Orleans

Discussing the next move !!!!

Beale Street, Memphis

Tupelo

Name says it all

Introducing .... Mr Jack Daniels .... maybe not !!!

Atlanta .... Civil Rights Park

Atlanta City Hall

Dancing with the stars .... well maybe not ... June and George

Charles tripping the light fantastic ....

Mark ... on the other side of the camera for a change ..

Best of New Zealand ( January - February)

2015-03-17T08:14:00.001+00:00

Happy St Patrick's Day ...

Hello everyone, great to be back, it has been a couple of months, and I know there are some of you eagerly waiting for the New Zealand updates and pics, sorry that it has taken so long, my computer crashed and I thought I had lost all the photos, but thankfully they had been saved... so here we are ..

Auckland

BNZ Group - January 24th - 15th February 2015

BNZ Group - with John Forbes

BNZ Group - with Richard Davidson

Dunedin Scottish Evening - with the "volunteers"

Milford Road - Waterfall

Milford Road

Lake Pukaki - Mount Cook

Church of the Shepherd - Lake Tekapo

Old Saint Paul's - Wellington

The wonderful Scottish Dancers

Cape Brett cruise - Hole in the Rock

Auckland - Sky Tower

Wellington

Hokianga Harbour

Copthorne Hotel - Bay of Islands

Cape Brett Cruise

Happy New Year

2014-12-30T18:50:00.001+00:00

Hello everyone,

Well 2014 is about to come to a close, it has been a very busy, here is a quick re-cap on this years travels -

January/February - In search of the Northern Lights, on board the fabulous Hurigruten.

March - Sin City, the Jewel in the Desert, of course that is Las Vegas which also included a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway ... later in the month it was down to Malaga for a 4 night stay before joining NCL for a Mediterranean cruise.

April - It was off to Miami where I boarded NCL and sailed through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles.

May - Back in sunny California .. a the great Golden West, not so good from Vegas onwards as I had a concrete seat fall on my foot at the Hoover Dam ... but I got there ....

June - Into Seattle and the scenic journey southwards through Oregon to San Francisco, some fantastic scenery.

August - Something I hadn't done for a few years, River cruises, two cruises from Amsterdam to Basel ..... on board the elegant and beautiful, Royal Crown, (for your info.... I am back on her again on the 1st April... for a 14 day Rhine and Moselle cruise, check the Titan brochures for further details)

September - Embarked on a fantastic journey on the 30 day Grand American, beginning the journey in Los Angeles and ending in New York, what a journey visiting a fantastic array of different place, one of the highlights for me was Nashville, loved the Grand Ole Opry, but the visit to RCA studio was the best, the memories and the music.

October - Well another visit to Las Vegas, I never get tired of this always changing city.

November - A return to one of my favourite places, New Zealand, a great experience on this tour, Land of the Long White Cloud, some very mixed weather, but what a journey, an overnight on Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island was amazing, all in all an amazing time. Cannot wait to get back .... (that will be January 24th .....2015)

December - home from New Zealand..... a couple of days rest then it was a quick weekend break to Malta, weather was great. Christmas has come and gone, and now the final hours of the year approach, I have had an amazing year, have met some really great people, that I do hope to meet again, somewhere out there in this big wide world. I wish you all a very Happy New Year, thanks for reading and keeping up with my travels, I hope to see you all again in 2015.

Land of the Long White Cloud (November 2014)

2014-12-19T10:53:00.002+00:00

Hello,
Sorry for the late posting of the group photos, little problem with passwords !!!! I have also added some pics from the trip.

I anyone would like a copy ... you should be able to right click and save ..... if you can't get that to work drop me an message ... link can be found on the main page.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Land of the Long White Cloud

November 11th - December 6th 2014

The Taxi home ......

Flying to the US ... IMPORTANT NEW RESTRICTIONS

2014-07-07T16:32:00.002+01:00

New security regulations for customers on flights from the UK to US cities

Answer Id 5047 | Updated 07/07/2014 02.52 PM (UK time)

Summary

British Airways is complying with the new security requirements from the US Government on flights from the UK to the US.

All British Airways flights continue to operate as normal and we would advise customers to arrive in good time for the various stages of their journey including check-in, main security search areas and at the boarding gate.

Customers may be subject to additional searches and questions.

Customers are advised to keep checking our website for any additional information regarding their specific flights.

More information

Customers on flights from the UK to the US must be able to comply if asked with the following requests:

Customers may be asked to turn on any electronic or battery powered devices such as telephones, tablets, e-books and laptops in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item’s functionality.

If, when asked to do so, you are unable to demonstrate that your device has power you will not be allowed to fly on your planned service.

Please do all you can to ensure that items you bring with you are fully powered before you arrive at the airport.

Please do not bring any broken devices in your hand luggage to the airport as you will not be able to fly as planned.

Transfer customers flying to the US via the UK:

If you are flying to the US as a transfer customer, especially those on long journeys, please make sure that you not deplete power in your devices while on the first part of your journey.

There will be very limited charging points at airports.

Customers are still able to use their electronic devices on board subject to the normal operating rules. Read our guide on how you can use your electronic items on board.

The safety and security our customers remains our top priority at all times and we continue to work very closely with governments and airports around the world.

We thank you for your patience and understanding in helping us to comply with the additional regulations.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What electronic devices are covered by this change of security regulations?
All electronic devices such as tablets, telephones, e-books, laptops are covered by these additional searches. If the security teams ask you to turn on an electronic device in your possession you will be required to do so.

What happens if I don’t have any power left in my electronic device?
If you are unable to power up your electronic device you will not be allowed to fly. If it does not power up then it cannot be placed in your hand or hold luggage. Please do all you can to ensure that any electronic device you have is fully powered before you arrive at the airport. There will be very limited facilities at airports to charge electronic items.

I am transferring through London on a flight and then onto the US, what happens if my electronic device has run out of battery power by the time I arrive?
All electronic devices must have power and if you are unable to power up your item you will not be allowed to fly. Please use your electrical and electronic devices sparingly if you are going to fly on a long journey before getting to London and then transferring onto a US destination.

If my electronic device doesn’t have any power, will I be allowed to rebook?
If your device doesn’t power up when you are requested to do so, you will not be allowed to fly to the US on your original service. Our customer services team will look after the rebooking of your travel arrangements.

Will all customers on US flights be subject to the additional security measures?
All customers flying to the US must be prepared to have their electronic items searched and they must have sufficient power to be used.

I have just purchased a new electronic item from an airport shop, can I carry it on board if it has no power?
Customers must be prepared to demonstrate that the item has power. The item and its packaging may also be examined by security teams at the boarding gate. Please do all you can to ensure that any new electronic items you purchase at the airport have power before you reach the boarding gate.

Will there be extra charging points at the airport?
There will be some extra charging points, but customers need to ensure that their own devices have enough power at all times. Please do all you can to ensure that your electronic devices are fully powered before arriving at the airport.

Can I use my device on board?
Customers can use their devices on board. Our normal guidelines of using electronic devices in Flight Safe mode continue. Read our guide on how you can use your electronic items on board.

I no longer wish to travel, can I change my flight?
We expect to operate a full schedule of flights to and from the US and therefore normal ticket rules apply.

Can I use a mobile boarding pass as normal?
Yes, customers will still be able to use their mobile devices as boarding passes. Please ensure that any electronic devices, you have your mobile boarding pass on, have sufficient battery life and power before arriving at the airport.

I am flying to a destination outside of the US, what will I be required to do?
We comply with all the required security regulation on each country we fly to. We will continue to conduct additional random security processes on a wide range of destinations.

Oregon and the Pacific Coast June 2014

2014-07-06T21:44:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone, just received this group photo, taken at Pier 39, San Francisco, just outside Swiss Louis Restaurant, we had just had a great dinner. Thanks to Julie D.. for sharing this great photo with us.

Catch up ...... 2014

2014-06-28T00:51:00.000+01:00

Hello, it has been a while ... for this I apologise, but this year has been so busy and its only June !!!!! let me start at the beginning of the year ......

January - I was in the great city of Cape Town ... for 3 weeks on vacation, had a great time, travelled the Garden Route and had a few nice days in the mountains .... can home ... had a few days and then it was back to work, A Northern Lights Adventure, with Hurtigruten, sailing out of Bergen and and all the way to Kirkenes and back to Bergen 12 days of exceptional service and food. There were a few good sightings for the Northern Lights as well. All was good what a great group I had with me ... our little club... would get together each evening after dinner .. and put the world to right .... thanks for your company, it was fun.

February - Back to Norway, and to Tromso, hunting the Northern Lights again, just a short trip this time, round trip to Tromso, again some great sightings of the lights.

March - It was off to Sin City .... Las Vegas for a 3 night stay at the New Tropicana, a day visiting the Valley of Fire ... ending at the Hoover Dam ... we next part of the tour took us to Williams, via Route 66, and Seligman. Next day a ride on the train to the Grand Canyon, what a glorious sight. then it was back to Las Vegas and the flight back to London.

March was also cruise month .... Alhambra Palace and the Canary Islands. Started with a 4 night stay in the great city of Malaga, and arrived during the Spanish speaking film festival .... celebrities everywhere and we were staying at the main hotel ... every time we went out the hotel doors there were screams from the waiting crowds ... the screams soon disappeared when they realised we were not famous starts ... we had day tours of the city, as well as a visit to Granada and the Alhambra Palace, a trip to Gibraltar. We joined the cruise, NCL in Malaga and sailed to Barcelona, Casablanca, Tenerife and Lanzarote before coming back to Malaga, we then had a day trip to Mijas a beautiful mountain town, before we flew back to London, and said our farewells to another great group of people.

I was then home for a few days, and then it was vacation time again .... back to Cape Town ... just for 10 days relaxation, the weather was great and the beach, beer and sunsets to die for ....

Late April/May - It was off to Miami and joined NCL for their Panama canal cruise, stopping off in Cartagena Columbia, Cost Rica, ans Mexico, and eventually disembarked in Los Angeles, sent the group home bound and I stayed on and started a California and Golden West, off we went down to San Diego, then Palm Springs on the way to Scottsdale then it was Grand Canyon time, lots of wind cancelled the highlight flights over the Canyon, I felt so sorry for the group .... it was then down to Las Vegas ... a short trip to the Hoover Dam, longer for me, I managed to have a concrete seat fall on my foot and do some really sore damage, it was a ride in an ambulance for me ... no broken bones thank goodness, but very painful... but all was put right the next day when we stopped at Tehachapi for home made pie ..... delicious ... next day into Yosemite and yet again the views were amazing. Next stop San Francisco .. before heading down the coast to Cambria and as always ending in Anaheim before the journey back through Hollywood to LAX and the flight back to London, sad to say farewell, but hope we can all meet up again somewhere some other time ...

June - Off to Seattle, and the Oregon and Pacific Coast .... some fantastic scenery on the drive to the Olympic National Park, again the views amazing from Hurricane Ridge. Next day it was heading south as we passed Mount St Helens, the great volcano, before we arrived in Oregon and the city of Portland. The next was spent visiting the Multnomah Falls, and and Bonnville Dam, we then had a panoramic view of Mount Hood. It was time to head back to the coast, but not withouot first visiting the Rose Test gardens, some fantastic displays, our lunch stop at the Evergreen Air and Space museum, this is where they house the Spruce Goose the worlds largest aircraft, made of wood. It was then onto Newport and the seaside .... the night we were there we had a great sunset. First stop the next day was at the Newport Aquarium, great exhibits and an outdoor area with a sea life bird centre, we then visited the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, which is where we had our lunch break, before continuing to our destination of Grants Pass for a two night stay. The next day we headed to Crater Lake, well what to expect of an old volcanic caldera at over 7,000 feet ... all I can say is ... AWESOME ..... (there are a couple of pics at the end of this posting from there)..
too beautiful for words, but we also had great weather which of course always helps. The next day it was farewell to Oregon and hello California, as we made our way back to the coast, and the great Redwood Forests, we travelled through these fascinating centuries old trees, we stopped for a walk to see the corkscrew tree ... our over night was in the old city of Eureka. Next day we made our way along the Avenue of Giants, another road lined with Redwoods, in the afternoon we arrived into the Sonoma Valley, a visit to the Jaccuzi Winery and Olive Press, the wine was excellent ,... but I never thought I would say ... olive oil .. I am hooked ... The final part of the journey brought us to San Francisco, unfortunately as we passed over the Golden Gate Bridge .... it was not there !!! .. covered with a thick blanket of fog ... no chance of a view ... we had lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, before our guided city tour, we ended the day with a dinner at pier 39, and a drive around the city and a visit to Treasure Island for some great views of the city. A free day before we head to the airport and the journey home to London.

Well that is everything up to date ..... I am offf now for a few weeks break ... but will be back in August with a Rhine Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, see you all then ...

(the top photos are of Crater lake, the bottom two are of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco)

Destination - Cape Town

2013-10-10T11:23:00.001+01:00

Hello,

Heading to Cape Town .... no need to look any further for all your travel needs, contact Seppies Tours, great guys with the personal touch, I have used their services and they deliver well and at competitive prices.

Check out the website at .....

www.seppiestours.co.za

ACE-FX | Foreign Currency Exchange and Money Transfer Services

2013-10-01T07:37:00.001+01:00

Hello. Foreign Exchange, Travel Money Cards .... these are the best rates you will find, anywhere.

ACE-FX | Foreign Currency Exchange and Money Transfer Services:

'via Blog this'

California

2013-09-29T09:33:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Just returned from a two week California ..... all I can say is .... well .... enjoyment and appreciation comes in many different forms from downright insults ... to total ignorance, demands with no thanks, and then some amazing people, it is true it takes allsorts. No more to be said .....

This trip started in San Francisco, three great days to enjoy the city the weather was good, and we had a great tour with Craig. From SF, we made our way down the coast to Monterey, and then drove Pacific Grove to 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach on the way to Carmel. From here it was down the Big Sur, some amazing views and scenery, arrived at Cambria pines a really nice location. Good to see my old friend "smokey" the cat.

Leaving Cambria we travelled to Solvang the lovely little Danish town, excellent Danish pastries at the Birkholm Bakery and a nice chat with the girls in the Solvang Deli ( cheese and wine) ..lovely shop. Lunch stop in Santa Barbara, fish and chips at Stearns Wharf. Coastal views as we headed to Long Beach via Malibu and Santa Monica. A free day in Long Beach to explore the Aquarium, and the Queen Mary. The following day we travelled to Beverly Hills and Hollywood Boulevard for a short stop before leaving for Las Vegas, lunch stop was at the old silver mining town of Calico, arrival in Vegas at the Planet Hollywood hotel on the "strip". A drive around to look at the night lights and a stop Downtown at Freemont street to view the fantastic light show. A couple of free days for sightseeing and shopping. Leaving Vegas we headed back through the Mojave desert to the final destination of Palm Springs. An afternoon Celebrity Tour, listening to stories about the rich and famous stars of the past. A final free day to enjoy the desert sunshine.

http://www.titantravel.co.uk/north-america/usa/california/california-sunshine-coast-with-las-vegas-and-palm-springs.aspx

Newfoundland and Nova Scotia

2013-09-11T15:12:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone,

I have just returned from Canada, well to be more specific, Newfoundland, this has to be one of my favourite places to visit, the land is so natural the scenery beautiful but most of all the people are amazing, so friendly. This trip started with a flight from London to Halifax in Nova Scotia, 3 nights in this interesting maritime city, with visits to the beautiful Peggys Cove and Lunenburg. We travelled to Sydney (Nova Scotia), through Pictou, to view the Hector, the old ship that brought the Scottish immigrants to Canada, the onwards to the Canso Causeway and through Cape Breton and the great waters of the Bras d'or Lake. The following day we sailed to Newfoundland, and continued the journey to Corner Brook, a lovely, but all to short a stay, at the Glynmill Hotel. The next day it was off to make the journey to St Anthony, situated at the top of the Northern Peninsula, by way of Gros Morne Park. In the evening we took a boat ride out into Iceberg Alley (okay no icebergs) .... with the hope of catching sight of some whales ... none to be found but we did see some dolphins, and a sea cave, great night with .. Northland Discovery Tours, Paul Allcock does a grand job. Vikings are the order of the day when we visit the Viking site at Lanse aux Meadows. Re tracing our steps southbound we visit Port aux Choix, and also the Salmon Interpretive Centre at Torrent River, great afternoon here a worthwhile stop, later we arrived in Rocky Harbour for a couple of nights, great sunsets here. A visit to the Marine Centre at Norris Point and the Lobster Head Lighthouse filled the morning, a homemade seafood chowder and a moose burger for lunch, delicious. Last day in Gros Morne starts with a wonderful cruise on Bonne Bay, thanks to Wayne, Reg and the boys for a great morning and the entertainment. The next day we made a visit to the Boethuk Centre at Boyds Cove, this gave an insight into the way of life of the native people. Later we made a visit to Twillingate, and the Twillingate Museum. We arrived in Gander .. in torrential rain .. and made our way to the airport .... for visit, Gander has such a great display of information boards all relating to flight, well worth a visit. Overnight at Sinbads ... very friendly staff .. thanks Marie. Excellent restaurant, some great food on the menu. Next day we travelled to Bona Vista with a morning stop at the Terra Nova Park. In Bona Vista we travelled to the lighthouse, and then stopped by the Matthew Legacy, as this is where John Cabot landed in 1492 and declared the New Found Land for England. The afternoon stop was at Trinity, a delightful old town. Our final travelling day took us to St John's the Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, first stop was at the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear. In the afternoon we had a guided tour of St John's. The following day was free until early evening before departure for the airport and the direct flight back to London Heathrow with Air Canada.
What a great couple of weeks, to sum it all up Newfoundland is a barren, bleak but beautiful place to visit, get away from the cities and travel through small communities, you get to appreciate the life of the people and their customs. Enjoy this adventure with Titan Travel.
http://www.titantravel.co.uk/north-america/canada/atlantic-canada/newfoundland-and-nova-scotia.aspx?duration=15&

Here are a selection of photos from the tour.

Welcome Back ... Time for a catch up ....

2013-07-04T11:58:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone, at long last I am back ...... too many problems trying to log on ... but hopefully they are now resolved, there is a lot of catching up to do .... where to begin ... okay

January '13 - Spent in Cape Town, South Africa .... an absolutely brilliant city to visit .. beaches galore, weather excellent and very reasonable prices good exchange at 12.-13 Rand to the GBP £

February - A weekend in a very cold Bergen, Norway .... had a good time.

March - Norwegian Coastal Voyage to see the Northern Lights which were excellent, was very cold but well worth it.

March - Spent my birthday in Gothenburg, Sweden .... another cold but nice weekend.

April - Back to work and off to Miami .. and join a cruise through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles.

May - Off to the Canadian Rockies and Alaska, sailed from Vancouver with Holland America on the MS Zuiderdam.

June - Was in the hottest place in Europe .... Lapland, Finland ... 30c. ....

June - Just back from a California and Golden West ..... not without its hiccups ..... one of them being a delayed Virgin flight home .... 8 hours in LA airport is not good for anyone.....

July - Monday next week I am off to the Norwegian Fjords.. sailing with Fred Olsen from Dover on the Braemar.

,I am going to post some pics from all the adventures ...