Coast To Coast

The Last Post

2017-09-07T17:04:00.001-07:00

I am now back in Forres, Scotland. I would like to thank everyone I met on my trip from East Coast to West Coast and back again to East Coast for making this one of the most memorable trips I have ever undertaken. The greatest thanks should go to the American people who made me feel at home when I stayed in their Bed & Breakfast and Hotels, who listened to me when they encountered me on the street, in shops and restaurants and on the trains that I travelled.

You welcomed this stranger who came to your country, helped and assisted me and showed me overwhelming courtesy, kindness, patience and generosity. Politicians in the past and the present have tried to undermine the confidence of the American people by telling you that they 'Can make America great again'. I find this totally unnecessary as America was great, is still great and will continue to be great, not due to its resources and beautiful landscape but due to its people to whom I owe a great thanks. Needless to say and to echo your General MacArthur 'I Shall Return'.

There may be readers of this blog who are interested in the statistics of my trip so here goes.

Distance travelled by rental car: 5,500 miles

Distance travelled by rail: 4,000 miles

Distance travelled by foot: Over 200 miles according to my fitness tracker. Seemed a lot longer in the hot weather.

Highest temperature encountered: 116 degrees Fahrenheit, 47 degrees Celsius (California)

Lowest temperature encountered: 68 degrees Fahrenheit, 20 degrees Celsius (California)

Number of Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels stayed in: 18

Number of friendly Americans encountered: Probably in the thousands

Number of unfriendly Americans encountered: 2 but they were being unfriendly to others, not to me

Number of photographs taken: Over 5,000

Number of Winaladder Blog cards handed out: Over 150

Number of visitors to the Blog: Over 1,000. In the rankings USA was first, followed by the United Kingdom with Canada a very low third. Come on Canada, was this because I only spent two hours in your country? I will try and spend longer next time.

Number of beautiful sites visited: Uncountable

Number of deadly rattlesnakes encountered: 1, which was one too many

Number of cute chipmunks encountered: 4. Guys, please, please try and stay away from the deadly rattlesnakes.

Number of places I will not re-visit: 1. I'm sorry Vegas, you and me just didn't hit it off. Maybe we just weren't compatible.

Amount of weight put on during trip: 4 pounds. Sorry Arby's, that weight gain is all down to you

Since you have allowed me to take so many photographs of your great country I thought you might like to see some of the photos from my area.

Forres has a long history, first mentioned by the ancient Romans in 200 AD. It became a royal burgh in 1140 AD. It has a population of over 12,000 and is around four miles from the Moray Coast and 30 miles from Inverness.

This is the Forres Tollbooth in the centre of Forres High Street. It used to be a courthouse and jail and is now a visitor's centre.

This is Sueno's Stone. A Standing Stone erected by the Picts around 800 AD. It is the largest surviving Pictish Standing Stone at 21 feet. It is said to be the site where Macbeth met the three witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Forres is actually mentioned in the play, so it probably was well known in Tudor times.

Below are some photos I took at the Forres Highland Games in July this year.

Two visitors to the games dressed in 18th century Highland costume. They were from Canada and are great fans of the Outlander TV series.

Members of the Elgin & District pipe band warming up before the competition. Notice the gentleman in the first image holding up a sound meter. Perhaps volume is important in winning competitions or maybe it's how you tune up bagpipes.

Member of the Glenfiddich team throwing the hammer.

This young man is throwing a weight over a bar just like the one used in the pole vault. It is similar to a kettlebell and weighs 56 pounds. I have a 17 pound kettlebell which I can just about raise above my head!

The following photos are from the Dava Way, an old railway line which used to run from Forres to Grantown-On-Spey and is now a 24 mile walking route. It's my favourite walk and every two years hosts the Ghost Train Walk where walkers set off at 10 pm and walk back to Forres in the dark. I have done it twice and the incentive to finish the walk is the cooked breakfast provided near the end.

The Dava Way in Autumn (Fall)

Dava Way in Winter

Near the Dava Way is the beautiful Loch Romach, taken here during heavy snowfall.

This is the Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery next to the Dava Way. It is now closed as a distillery and operates as a popular distillery visitor's centre. Dallas Dhu means 'Black Water Valley' in Gaelic.

This is Scurrypool Bridge next to the Dava Way.

Divie Viaduct on the Dava Way.

This interesting sculpture next to the Dava Way is to commemorate Jess the collie whose owner lived in a nearby croft (cottage). When she wanted supplies she would telephone a shop in Forres and the shopkeeper would parcel her order up with a large bow on top and give it to the train driver. When the driver got near he would slow down, sound his whistle and drop the parcel off. Jess would come running down to retrieve the shopping. Sometimes Jess had to make several runs after a big order. And you thought Amazon were first with home deliveries!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and any other posts you have read on this blog and on my other blogs.

Goodnight.

New York, I'm Gone But... I'll Be Back

2017-09-06T16:50:00.002-07:00

Last day in NYC. So spent the morning taking a few photos for my last post from the USA. I'll put one last post on tomorrow but this time it will be posted from Scotland. And by the way, a message to Jon Stewart, host of the Daily Show for many years and constant critic of Arby's fast food. Well Jon, I had the Beef and Cheese Classic at an Arby's last night and awoke this morning with no ill effects. Well, apart from the fact that my trousers don't fit anymore.

This is Engine Co. 3 Ladder Co.12 7th Battalion Fire House.

And this is the memorial on the outside wall of the firehouse in memory of the five firefighters from the firehouse who died on September 11. Each plaque has a photo with the words 'Supreme Sacrifice September 11, 2001'. Today and every day firefighters all over the world risk their own lives to save the lives of others. Bravery seems an insufficient word for their sacrifice.

Further down from the firehouse is this display called Tiles For Mer which I believe is part of the much bigger Tiles for America project which led to thousands of hand-painted tiles being attached to fences after 9/11. The majority are now on display in a local library with these few giving an idea of what the original display looked like.

This corner shop is typical of this West Village area.

I thought this might be an art gallery but it's actually a hospital.

This machine is like a miniature Segway.

This area looks so unlike the rest of New York city with it's grid system for roads running East/West and North/South that I had to check it out.

I went and asked two people who were sitting welcoming visitors to this community garden if this area was Greenwich Village. They said it was and told me that even New Yorkers are surprised by the layout of the streets here. The invited me to take a walk around the garden.

One of the many volunteers who look after the garden.

I had already photographed these figures elsewhere. They prove very popular with visitors and one visitor passed me his phone asking me to capture him with the figures.

This red device pre-dates mobile phones and were used to summon police or firefighters.

I found these stencils all over the local sidewalks. I stood there for several minutes without developing any superpowers so maybe you have to stand on the lettering.

This outdoor café is typical of the village atmosphere of the area.

This tree-lined area in the Village is let down by the Cesspool truck.

Sidewalk vendors don't just sell hot dogs; look at these healthy options.

I saw a mailman emptying this mailbox and realised that I still had stamped postcards from San Francisco to send off. He allowed me to add mine to his mail collection. Well done, US Postal Service, creator of the coolest eclipse stamps on the planet.

These huge pickup trucks look out of place in the city when smaller, more nimble vehicles might be more appropriate.

Americans must love mattress shopping, given the amount of shops across the U.S.A.

I thought the name Peter McManus sounded familiar but it's the café itself that is famous, dating from 1936, making it one of the oldest in the city.

I was just about to buy my daughter, Anja a gift from this shop and they closed it down before I could go inside.

I felt so sorry for these potted plants, clamped and chained by some cruel New York Parking Enforcement Officer for waiting in a prohibited area.

After a long walk around New York I need several of these energy drinks.

I thought the guy on this hoist was giving me a friendly wave as I photographed him, instead he was telling me to get the hell out of his workspace.

And finally, Heidi would like to send all of you her thanks for all of the attention you have paid her throughout the trip.

New York, I'm back

2017-09-04T20:39:00.002-07:00

Well it was a real mammoth struggle, making my way back across the USA but with a lot of blood sweat, tears and Amtrak meals I finally arrived in New York.

There's a few last photos from the Chicago-New York train (the official name is Lake Shore Limited) and then a night-time stroll around New York.

Dam on the Mohawk River in New York State.

I've actually seen these maintenance vehicles driving along the railway track but never got a photo. You can see the rail wheels at the front of the vehicle. The truck drives on to the track lowers the rail wheels and then it's a train.

A police presence is very noticeable around Times Square.

I think Romeo Santos (whoever he is) may have overspent on his advertising budget.

Motorcyclists doing wheelies in Time Square.

I think I missed this area the first time in New York. This is the seating area in Times Square.

Looks like the guy on the billboard is photobombing the selfie takers.

The concrete barriers on the street show how life has changed in big cities.

If you're asking me did I visit the U.S.? The answer is yes, big time!

This couple were doing an impromptu dance routine in the middle of the street.

You need to walk down this street to see all the top shows.

The NYPD building could use some neon lights.

Well Chicago, you let me down when you shut down all the Arby's as soon as I entered your fair city and after all the hard work my Chicago food advisors had gone to. But New York? Well New York always comes through when you want healthy, nutritious food. So thank you New York and most of all Arby's for the Classic Roast Beef and Cheese with the calorie-free milkshake.

Goodnight.

Chicago, Chicago

2017-09-03T21:17:00.001-07:00

Last day on the San Francisco train, arriving in Chicago in the afternoon with a few hours before I board my New York train. Just enough time for a few snapshots.

My last photo on the San Francisco train.

Chicago's Union Station

Chicago has many water taxis on its rivers but probably not many with 'Shake a Leg' on the side.

Chicago's 'L' or elevated train.

There was a photo shoot of a couple in wedding outfits on the sidewalk. It looked more like a shoot for an advert. The woman with flowers would walk across the sidewalk, presumably to provide a background element to the photo.

I turned the corner and saw a police car blocking traffic while the white car was followed by a camera vehicle. It was either a feature film or advert being shot.

Subway train.

More 'L' trains.

Millennium park.

These fountains in Millennium Park were a good place for parents to take their children on a hot day.

Jazz Festival.

Chicago's Cloud Gate, more popularly known as 'The Bean' because of its shape. See if you can spot a photographer wearing a blue shirt.

These police dogs are all over Chicago.

I had been told by the three sisters that I met on the train that I had to try Chicago Pizza. I ordered this pizza at Giordana's and I'm hoping that is the one that was recommended by them. The queue for tables was really long and I was told I could 45 minutes for a table or eat at the bar without waiting. When I ordered my pizza I was told it would take one hour. When it arrived I was surprised by how thick it was; more like a pie than a pizza but absolutely delicious. I had also been told to go to Arby's for their milkshake but that will have to wait for another time as they had all closed by the time I left Giordana's.

Crossing the Rockies

2017-09-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

Second day on the train saw some mazing scenery and met more amazing people on the train. Just to update information about the train. It's called the Californian Zephyr, running between San Francisco and Chicago.

The Colorado River which you will be seeing more of in this post.

Sat down in the observation car with Debbie and John. A really wonderful couple who I got on with so well. And we were joined by a surprise guest.

To be completed.

Not only did we encounter the Rockies, we also encountered the Moonies. It seems to be a tradition on the Colorado River for water users to moon passing trains. People of a nervous disposition may wish to look away at this point.

An American Bald Eagle.

To the left of this photo you can just see the front of our train emerging. This gives you some idea of just how long our train is.

At this point the conductor invited us to take a 10 minute break and take in the fresh mountain air. We were at 8,500 feet in the Rockies. She also told us that there was a young boy who meets the train with a bicycle trailer selling snacks and ice cream for one dollar.

Conductor urging people to hurry up with their purchases as the train had to leave. Watch this boy, he will be a billionaire one day!

Re-boarding the train.

After going through a ~~4 mile~~ 6.2 mile tunnel (I was wrong about the 4 miles) we reached the highest point in our trip through the Rockies, 10,000 feet. At this point we started to descend to the Great Plains. From here to the East Coast it would be mainly flat ground.

Just to cap off a perfect day I went through to the restaurant car for a late dinner. I was sat with 3 ladies who kept me entertained for the rest of the evening. We were the last to leave the restaurant and carried on our conversation in the observation car.

Go East, Young Man

2017-09-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

Set off this morning by Amtrak for New York. Great train with seating/sleeping compartment and a restaurant car and observation car and because I'm in the last car I get great views from the rear of the train.

My compartment. Double seats which convert to a bed.

How would you like these views from your bedroom window?

Views from the rear of the train

When I was driving I sometimes would come across rail crossings like this one. No barriers, no warning lights just a sign saying 'Yield' (Give Way)

These are such a feature of US highways with advertising hoardings offering services from legal "Being involved in a motorcycle accident? Call ..." to a picture of a doctor with "Shoulder problems? phone Salt Lake City's top specialist on ...".

It is so amazing how long sections run dead straight before the view is broken up by a curve. I experienced the same view on many roads made more obvious if it was a two-lane (single carriageway) undivided road.

Coca-Cola truck on a lonely highway.

You can see the Moon in the top centre of the photo.

I would have thought that watching the same landscape for so long would become boring but I never found it so. There was something so relaxing sitting in the observation car watching the landscape change slowly.

Sadly Leaving San Francisco

2017-08-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

My last day in San Francisco and I have had an absolutely marvellous day. I have met so many wonderful and marvellous people today from the staff and guests at the B&B to the two women in McDonalds to the Australian couple on the cable car. Thank you for making my last day in San Francisco so great. I am looking forward to going home but sad that as I head back East that I don't have more time to spend in the USA but that just makes me so determined to visit and re-visit some of the places I have been to and to go to other places that people have told me about.

I have seen this so often on TV and in movies watching the newspaper get thrown at people's doorsteps. Although I missed the delivery I grabbed this image of a newspaper on someone's driveway.

For the first time on my trip I have come across a Greyhound bus.

If this was the size of the bow and arrow that Native Americans used how come they were defeated by the white man?

I didn't have time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge - that will have to wait for my next visit - and I was going to lie and say this was it but this is the Bay Bridge but still impressive with a fire boat beside it.

Loved this old wooden pier which seemed to have house plants on it.

This is the on land part of Bay Bridge just as a tram passes underneath.

Saw this beautiful dog and asked the owner if I could take its photo.

This is the home of the local baseball team, The Giants. I thought the name referred to how good they were at baseball until I saw the size of the baseball mitt and the huge Coke bottle; they're players really ARE giants.

As I passed under these freeway overpasses I started to think about when the next earthquake might hit San Francisco and started to walk really quickly.

Another first today was seeing lunch wagons and here they were all congregated together. The image above has Healthy Lunch Wagon as a sign. I assume it doesn't refer to the burger wagon.

One thing I noticed was the majority of men wearing backpacks in San Francisco including this kilt wearing guy. I was so glad that I wore mine so that I blended although I wore mine over one shoulder hoping that everyone would mistake me for a sophisticated New Yorker.

In my travels I have been surprised by the sheer amount of Subway restaurants. I thought that they outnumbered McDonalds and when I checked they really do outnumber McDonalds by thousands.

Loved these Pizza restaurant signs.

I hope that none of the travellers on this tour bus stood up given the amount of overhead electric cables.

Cables that are used to power these trolley buses.

I don't know why the US Army buys expensive tanks when these models are available.

I saw this modern building next to Union Square with no name to give the company away, just a large apple on the side.

I was going to buy my daughter a present from this Neiman Marcus shop till I saw the prices and left the building.

A victory column in Union Square.

When I saw the huge queue of people waiting to board the cable car at the terminus I decided to walk up the hill and catch it there. But before I left I watched staff turn the cars around on a turntable. Hard to believe that two people could turn these heavy cars.

People including this Western guy riding the cars.

As I passed this cosmetic store one of the women who had been trying to entice a customer in to the store and was rebuffed said "Yeah well I bet you don't even come from here" to the customer. I think this was the first example of rudeness I have come across on my trip.

My first and only example of San Francisco Flower Power.

Different San Francisco architecture.

This is the car rental I should have got; a classic Ford Mustang then I could have done the Steve McQueen Bullitt drive over San Francisco's hills.

I finally got on my first cable car when this conductor yelled over to me asking if I wanted to board the car then he and his colleague both yanked on their brakes to bring the car to a shuddering stop. The couple on the right were from Australia who very kindly took some photos of me hanging off the car.

Conductors don't seem required to wear a uniform which just adds informality to the whole ride.

You can hear and see the moving cables buried in the road which the cars latch on to.

Entrance to Chinatown.

Three wise monkeys outside an ornamental shop.

Went into this Scottish store and spoke to the assistant wearing the kilt who turned out to be from Dunblane, Scotland.

This tunnel had a sign on top which reads Quiet Inside Tunnel, Does that mean you can't talk as you drive through.

These rental bicycles are sponsored by Ford. Is this Ford trying to establish its eco credentials?

I never knew that Sir Francis Drake discovered Starbucks and introduced them to England.

I know one of my friends described me as a Panda Killer after I said that we shouldn't try to preserve a species that refuses to breed but even I draw the line at actually eating one. Bison, yes, Pandas, no.

From Sea to Shining Sea

2017-08-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

When I left Gloucester, Massachussets on the 16th August I saw the Atlantic for the last time on my trip west. This morning on my trip North to San Francisco I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time. I travelled on Highway 101, one of the great coastal highways. On my drive I passed areas devastated by the many wildfires this year. Later on the trip I passed miles of vineyards and reflected on the many Californian wines I have drunk over the years.

I made a diversion to take in the city of Salinas. The author John Steinbeck was born there and I visited the National Steinbeck Center there. He wrote many well-known books including East of Eden, Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath. The book that interested me most was his 1960 title, Travels With Charley. Steinbeck had a truck company build a RV for him so he could make a trip of 10,000 miles around the USA. Charley was his large poodle; his wife refused to accompany him on his trip. I was heavily influenced by the book when I was planning last year's RV trip across the USA, intending to take two months doing a similar trip. Thinking this was a bit ambitious I scaled it back to one month then had to postpone it till this year when I dropped the RV idea completely and settled for a round trip by car and train.

A Ford Model T similar to the one described in East of Eden.

His 'Of Mice and Men' is illustrated with a range of hats mentioned in the story. You are invited to lift each hat and discover which character wore it.

A map of his Charley trip. He named his vehicle Rocinante after Don Quixote's horse.

This is his actual vehicle on display with exterior and interior images.

A model of his poodle, Charley sitting in the passenger seat.

Some of the lovely buildings in Salinas including this one Head Over Heels which is a shoe lounge, which is different from a shoe shop, how.

I parked my car outside the police ststion thinking it would be secure there while I toured Salinas. Saw this black and white police cruiser with 'Violence Suppression Unit' on it.

Shots of my San Francisco B&B obscured by trees.

Modern style church nearby.

Trump stops here when he visits San Francisco.

Dogs congregate here each evening. They all played together without fighting, and their owners behaved themselves as well.

View from the park.

This is how the locals treat haters.

Local houses.

When your dog becomes ill take them to the Pet Hospital.

And if they misbehave call the local dog-training vehicle.

Staying at the Hotel California

2017-08-29T21:59:00.002-07:00

Well I wasn't staying at the Hotel California but I am staying at The Santa Paula Inn which is in California but how could I let a good Eagles song go to waste?

Before I checked out from Vegas (that's what us insiders call it) I asked the receptionist why I was bumped up to the penthouse suite, was it my suave appearance? had tales of my epic journey across the USA turned up in Vegas, was I mistaken for the actor who plays Poldark. Her answer was "the rest of the hotel was full and you were only staying one night so we gave you the penthouse" I think she was lying, I'm going with the Poldark scenario.

Just as I entered California I saw off the freeway shining lights in the desert. I guessed it was a solar furnace. It looked amazing, beams of light from mirrors shone down on the desert floor. Even though it was midday the beams looked like searchlights. Then I began to think what would happen to me if those mirrors shifted position. What with rattlesnakes, flash floods and being fried to death it didn't seem like my luck would hold so I put my foot down and hightailed it out of there being mindful of the California Highway Patrol (anyone remember the 70's ChiPs series?). Further into California I saw signs with a plane symbol and the words 'planes are tracking your speed'.

I just checked now and it was a solar furnace, burning at over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it was built thousands of birds have died as they flew into the beams.

Soon after I saw signs for Death Valley and looked at the car temperature gauge, it read 116/47 (F/C) degrees. I thought earlier in the week I had encountered the highest possible temperature at 106/41 degrees at Zion National Park. It was enough to send me back to the B&B for a cold shower.

Arrived in Santa Paula which is famous for being one of the centres of the Californian oil industry and now describes itself as the Citrus Capital of the World.

When I arrived at the hotel I asked the innkeeper for a nice restaurant within walking distance. He recommended Garmins in Main Street. When I asked what type of food was served he said it was an Irish Pub. I said I couldn't go there as I was under daughter's orders not to eat any more European/American food. He then recommended a Mexican restaurant in Main Street which didn't open for another two hours. I then found this Mexican restaurant and had a lovely meal. When I got back to the hotel and mentioned the restaurant he told me it was owned by his uncle but he thought it was too far for me to walk.

Very modern (West Coast style?)

Local police station who hopefully haven't seen my reward poster yet.

Definitely California style.

One of many murals on the side of buildings.

Old filling station/garage.

Is this a liquor store for guys or is it run by four guys?

What happens to this vehicle if it hits a speed bump?

For sale: three low-mileage trucks.

In Britain a muffler is a scarf, here it's a car exhaust.

Lots of these antique/collectible shops.

California Oil Museum.

Redundant cinema now featuring a lovely mural.

There is a mountain range on both sides of town.

Memorial to fallen Santa Paula police officers. This plaque commemorates Marshal Norman, gunned down in 1913.

Very colourful tree, but I don't know what it's called.

Former rail station now an information centre.

This sculpture is called 'The Watchers' and commemorates the occasion when over 12 billion gallons of water was released when a nearby dam collapsed in the early hours of the morning. These two motorcycle cops raced round the town warning people and saving lives.

Another unknown (to me, that is) tree which glows red in the sunset. The moon is just becoming visible in the sky.

This phone is outside the local Mud Room bar. Anyone need to call Uber?

Anyone who is getting married this year and doesn't have their dress yet?

This is the Freemasons Hall which seems to be a big thing in the USA.

Front and rear of my hotel.

Two Great Canyons and a So-So Vegas

2017-08-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

After hearing one of the B&B guests talking about Antelope Canyon I made a detour from my trip from Grand Canyon to include Antelope Canyon and I am so glad that I did.

Here you can see our guide, Eder, with native American flutes on his back. He gave us a great rendition after we left the canyon.

Antelope Canyon is under the control of the Navajo Indian tribe who operate tours around the canyon. This is Eder, our guide who gave us a fantastic and informative tour of the canyons. He was exceptional with his photography tips, even mentioning what ISO and white balance to use on our cameras. The advice was sorely needed with the wide light contrasts in the cavern. He would even take cameras from visitors and show them settings and even take photos for them. His talk on the danger of flash flooding was less welcoming. It seems it doesn't even need to be raining near the canyons; the flood can happen elsewhere and rush into the canyon. 20 years ago 11 tourists from around the world, including one from the UK and seven from France drowned when they couldn't get out in time. He showed us photographs on his phone from a few weeks ago of his group of tourists emerging from the canyon covered in sand and water up to their waists. Rattlesnakes, flash floods? Anja please come over and bring your Dad back to safety.

Eder took my camera to take these two shots of me. Now come on, what's more impressive? Me or the canyon?

Some of the passages were so narrow and people had to turn sideways to get through. Luckily, being super-slim I didn't have to do that.

This is Navajo Bridge which spans the Colorado River and helps you prepare for the Grand Canyon.

This was my first view of Grand Canyon and it only got better.

This fire hydrant at the Canyon looks great in yellow.

The lounge overlooking the Grand Canyon. The rest of the Canyon photos didn't need describing.

Arrived late in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. The receptionist asked me quite a few questions such as how long as I was staying, was I on my own etc. Tired I got into the elevator but the button to the 32nd floor where I was staying wouldn't work. Another guest told me I had to put the card in to activate the 32nd floor. He then said "Dude, you've got a suite!". It wasn't just a suite, it was the penthouse suite.

My hotel from the outside.

My first glimpse of my suite, a snooker table and three large TV screens on one wall.

This guy had an illuminated billboard on his back.

Here's the billboard guy again. Seems he was advertising a strip joint.

Views from my window.

I have never seen toilet roll folded like this before.

I went to the casino after photographing the city and ended up playing $4 and winning $15 which I paid back into the machines and got bored in the end and left. My daughter, Anja said "Dad, Las Vegas was wasted on you!" which I think it was. Did Vegas impress? The only thing that impressed was the power shower. Sorry, Vegas but I don't think you will be seeing me again.

Zion and Bryce

2017-08-27T23:04:00.001-07:00

Before I set off for Zion National Park I spoke to the innkeeper about my encounter yesterday with a rattlesnake. I mentioned that I didn't look too dangerous as it looked quite young. She said that makes it even more dangerous as they haven't learned how much venom to inject and tend to dump all their venom with one bite. She said it was OK though as they keep a stock of snake antivenom at the B&B.
She also offered me one of their wooden walking poles to ward off snakes. I declined as I was never going to leave the car again.

The following photos were taken at Zion National Park.

Anytime I left the road to walk on a trail I made sure there were no snakes on the path.

There are other creatures to look out for though.

It's hard to believe engineers cutting a tunnel through all that rock.

The hole in the rock is part of the mile-long tunnel system. They are probably some kind of ventilation system.

The following photos are from my second visit to Bryce Canyon just before sunset,

The small dots in the bottom middle of the photo are people walking to the bottom of the canyon. I was shortly to follow them.

Small tunnel through the rock. Even I had to bend down to get through.

Looks like some people have made their own rock formations.

A forest at the bottom of the canyon.

This playful chipmunk performed for the camera.

Another chipmunk on the trail.

Incredible Bryce Canyon

2017-08-26T21:53:00.002-07:00

I left Blackfoot, Idaho, where I had stayed overnight and set off for Bryce Canyon, Utah.

I came off the freeway at Provo, Utah to get some coffee to keep me going on the long drive to Bryce Canyon when I saw part of the Rockies overlooking the town.

This is what annoys me about today's modern world; you have this beautiful Walmart sign and then some idiot goes and places some stupid mountains in the background, totally spoiling a good sign. Incidentally I popped into Walmart in Blackfoot to find guns for sale. I can't even pop into our local Walmart-owned Asda store back home without having to produce a licence when I buy razor blades.

As I got near Bryce Canyon I came across this beautiful rock formation.

If all you smokers are looking for a reason to quit then Smokey the Bear has a message for you.

I had to stop every couple of miles to take photographs.

Can you imagine if this road was part of your daily commute?

This is the Bryce Trails Bed & Breakfast where I am staying.

And this is the view from the front garden.

My arrival at Bryce Canyon. Most of the following photos have no comments. Words would not add anything to the photographs.

What are these people doing? Don't they having anything better to do? Sheets to fold? Record collections to alphabetize? There's nothing to see here folks. Move along so I can take some photos.

I had seen some people looking over the wall on the bottom left so I went and asked what they were interested in. One woman replied 'There's a rattlesnake' I couldn't see where the snake was so she pointed at the wall and there was the rattlesnake sitting on the wall staring at me. I leapt back around five feet and I think I screamed as well. I didn't take a photo and headed back for the car. I didn't drive off until I checked the floor of the car for any more rattlesnakes. Anja, can I please come home now?

After that scare I headed for the nearby General Store for a delicious meal.

I got back to my B&B and saw this magnificent night sky. In the night sky you can see the Big Dipper (what you Brits call The Plough, although strictly speaking its official name is Ursa Major). You may need to click on the photo to enlarge and see the stars. Remember once you've clicked on the photo you can right-click on the photo and save or print it. If you keep clicking on each photo it will advance to the next one. Although you will miss my comments. Click on the small x on the top right of the photo or keep clicking to the last photo and you will get back to the blog.

And here clouds cover the moon.

Climbing Through Yellowstone

2017-08-25T23:12:00.001-07:00

I set off from Bozeman today for Yellowstone. Before I left the B&B my fellow guests gave me some tips when I mentioned that I wanted to do some hiking while I was here. One guest advised me to purchase bear spray. I asked if I was supposed to spray it on myself or on the bear. I had assumed that he was just having fun but there actually is such a product; it's pepper spray and is supposed to be effective against bears. Another guest talked about his experience in the woods being surrounded by a pack of wolves. The last guest told me the animal to be most afraid of in Yellowstone is the mountain lion it seems to prefer waiting in the high rocks for a hiker to pass by. All of this advice just made me even more determined to spend the whole Yellowstone trip inside a locked car.

I decided to take the Beartooth Highway to enter Yellowstone. This highway has been described as the most beautiful road in America by writers.

This was the first of many stops I made on the highway. Here a local resident who was walking his dogs told me that it just gets better. I found out he was telling the truth.

This gentle stream had some hidden surprises.

Some more stops I made as the road climbed higher.

I parked my car next to this hill while I went to cross the road to photograph the above scene. Given the condition of the rocks on the hill I made sure I closed the trunk (that's boot to you Brits) lid very gently.

I finally made it to the top of the mountain and parked in this viewing area. This is over 10,000 feet and I noticed how cool it was; the car's thermometer was 15/59 degrees (C/F) whereas at the bottom of the hill it was 24/75 degrees. The climb was a series of increasingly hairpin bends as we climbed.
Every time I got out of the car to take photos I would look up and see the next section of the road which seemed impossibly high. The route on the car's satnav looked like a coiled up purple snake trying to eat its own tail.

This car was parked next to mine. This is the closest I came to a bear in Yellowstone.

From the car park this path takes you to a point which overlooks the whole area.

These zoomed-in photos shows one of the many hairpin bends you experience on your way up. This is the first time I have experienced vertigo from inside of a car.

On the way up the path I had heard a series of chirruping sounds. Turns out they were coming from chipmunks. They weren't put off by visitors even when people brought their dogs with them.

I came across this powerful waterfall on the way down.

Caught this glimpse of one of Yellowstone's peaks just as the weather started to change. Soon after I could see flashes of lightning around the hills. When I arrived at the gateway to Yellowstone I saw that the admission charge for cars varied from 30 to 50 dollars. As I got my wallet out I was informed by a park ranger that today was free as it was the National Park's 101st anniversary. Just when I was congratulating myself on my good luck the sky opened up and the rest of the trip took place in torrential rain, making it almost impossible to see anything. The one insight I did gain was how vast Yellowstone is.

Just as I was leaving Yellowstone the sky cleared I came across this cloud of steam and pulled over. I could smell the strong sulphur fumes before I even got out of the car. According to the plaque the water is just below boiling and is one of the hottest springs in Yellowstone.

Eating Bison in Bozeman

2017-08-24T22:47:00.001-07:00

Just before I left the 1899 Inn in Deadwood I asked the innkeeper, Laura if she could take a photo of me with one of her three cats. My daughter Anja had asked to see the cats.

Arrived in Bozeman, Montana. Staying at the lovely Voss Inn Bed & Breakfast. The innkeeper, Frankee, asked me what I would like to drink with tomorrow's breakfast; I told her that I had only drunk coffee since arriving in the US. She then informed me that she was a Certified Tea Master and would I like to join her and another guest for afternoon tea? This seemed like an interesting challenge; an American trying to outdo a Brit at making tea? I assumed this would be an easy challenge for the British to win as the last time I could recall an American making tea was when some Bostonians emptied a load of tea into the local harbour. Any tea-loving Brit could have told them trying to make tea with salty, tepid water would end in disaster which it did as, in reprisal, Britain ejected the US from the League of Tea Nations which it had helped set up.

Frankee then poured out cups of Darjeeling (her own special tea) and stopped me from adding my customary tea and sugar; inviting me to try it without. With my first sip I had to admit defeat, the tea was delicious, and three cups later I have decided to petition the British Government to re-admit the US to the League of Tea Nations.

Exterior of the Voss Inn and a photo of my room. The bath/shower area in the room makes me think I am staying at a Royal Palace.

Two of the houses in the street where I am staying.

This shop has to be unique it appears to be selling skateboards.

Lewis and Clark were two US Army officers tasked by President Thomas Jefferson to map the western half of America and claim the territory for the US government before European nations carried out a land grab. If they had been successful I would have paid for tonight's meal with Euros. This motel must have been part of Lewis & Clark's plan to claim title. It doesn't look as good as the Voss Inn; but there again the homemade banana bread sounds tempting.

The Lewis & Clarke Motel will soon have a rival; this half-built structure down the road is destined to be a motel.

I love the name of this watch repair shop.

I had to look up what a Mimosa was; it's a cocktail made with orange juice and champagne, in Britain we call that a Buck's Fizz.

I have eaten many a chocolate mousse over the years but have never eaten in a chocolate moose.

Frankee has obviously created an impact in Bozeman with the appearance of these tea establishments.

If this bar had hoped that people would stop and look twice at their neon sign it certainly succeeded.

Outside another bar was the most colourful bike I have ever seen.

This interesting metal sculpture is placed outside the Knife Sandwich shop.

I saw this truck with Pure Clean Techs on the hood, when I went around the rear of the vehicle I saw the list of services that the company provides. My daughter will be most interested in the Crime Scene service if I don't bring her back a present from the US.

Frankee had recommended a local restaurant called Ted's Montana Grill which serves bison. Ted is Ted Turner who set up CNN and TNT both of which I have watched back home on satellite TV. The bison steak was exceedingly good and eco warriors don't have to worry; bison are no longer facing extinction.

And this is the bison steak complete with US flag.

Visiting the Dead in Deadwood

2017-08-23T22:23:00.001-07:00

Left the Triangle Ranch B&B and headed for Deadwood with a quick retour to Mount Rushmore.

Near the Triangle Ranch was the Minuteman Museum. These were the nuclear missiles which were ready to launch from underground silos. I had assumed that this was one of the control centres but this was more a display of artefacts and photographs about the missile programme.

This is the approach to Mount Rushmore. The flags represent all 50 US states.

The rock carvings are just as spectacular as you would expect. The carvings represent George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

I then drove onto Deadwood as I am a big fan of HBO's Deadwood series starring Ian McShane as Al Swearengen a bar and brothel keeper in mid-1880's South Dakota and there really was a saloon keeper with that name.

And here in the next grave lies his friend Calamity Jane. Anyone who remembers Doris Day singing 'The Deadwood Stage' might be shocked by how she is portrayed in the HBO series where she is seen as a profane alcoholic. Maybe that is why someone has left a bottle of bourbon. Many of the gravestones have pennies and stones placed on them.

In the part of the cemetery where the Chinese gold miners are buried is this small incinerator which was used to burn offerings to the gods.

At the top of a hill lies the grave of Seth Bullock. the sheriff of Deadwood.

This Boothill Tours bus goes around the cemetery with boots hanging from the windows.

Walked past this gate sculpture in Deadwood.

Saw the 1935 Buick for sale along with this unknown car.

How Main Street, Deadwood looks now.

Given that back in the gold rush days Deadwood's streets would have been populated with prostitutes this lady might be the last one in Deadwood.

This is the bar where Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back while playing poker. He had his back to the door as his usual seat was taken.

A classic American car on Main Street.

Street appliances are covered with Deadwood photographs.

These wall displays show Calamity Jane top left and Hickock top right.

Starry Starry Night in South Dakota

2017-08-22T23:25:00.002-07:00

Went for breakfast in Broken Bow this morning and picked a table at random. As I was looking through the menu I heard a familiar accent from behind me where a family were having breakfast, I asked them where they from and they were from Wolverhampton, England. Breakfast was then postponed while we talked about how friendly the local people were. A group of local American ladies then joined the conversation and what should have been a quick breakfast turned into an extended one.

Before I entered the café I had noticed the local sheriff outside and I asked if I could take his photo and with that typical American generosity agreed to the photo.

Stopped off at a gas station (that's a petrol station to you Brits) to use the restroom (that's a toilet to you Brits) and noticed this very English-looking church spire. I had to ask the gas station attendant for the name of the town and it's called Anselmow village in Custer County, Nebraska.

I was driving through the town of Valentine, Nebraska and spotted all the hearts running down the main street. For someone whose birthday falls on Valentine's Day I just had to pull over and walk around. Valentine was once famous as a town not just for its name but also for the time zone which split the main street in two. It was said that the main post office which was near the dividing line between the two zones used to compromise by putting their clock back half an hour during daylight savings time. Valentine also accepts thousands of items of Valentine's Day mail so it can be it can receive a special postmark and verse.

I was walking past this Wells Fargo bank when I heard a woman's voice coming from a loudspeaker saying "Good morning Mary, and how are you today?". I realised she was a bank teller speaking to a drive-thru customer. I seem to remember a bank in Edinburgh many years ago trialling a drive-thru system but didn't seem to last very long.

This very fine figure of an American Indian stands in Valentine's main street.

In Australia Durex is the biggest selling brand of plasters or Band-Aids, In the US it appears that Durex is make of anti-freeze whereas in Britain Durex is the biggest selling condom brand. This could cause some problems depending if a customer asked for Durex and received something completely different.

Popped into this café for a coffee and asked the waitress if they served apple pie and the answer was yes. And it was home-made and it was delicious.

This is the exterior of my latest stay, the Triangle Ranch B&B which is in South Dakota. This house was ordered in kit form from a Sears catalogue in the 1920's and was delivered on two railroad cars and then took two weeks to move the materials by horse and wagon to its present location.

Exterior lit by the setting sun/

Setting sun illuminates the landscape.

Entrance to the Triangle B&B.

Further down the approach road is this view of typical South Dakota landscape.

I went out for a meal at a steakhouse in the nearby town of Philip. The meal was very good but I had to go into the bar to pay the check (That's the bill to all you Brits) and it was full of cowboys, real genuine cowboys with jeans and Stetson hats and not dressing up either. You could tell they had come in after a hard working day.

When I arrived back at the B&B I looked up to see one of the best starry nights I have ever seen. With such clear skies and so far from any town lights the night sky just shone with stars.

A Missing Diamond Ring and a Broken Bow

2017-08-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Set out early this morning from Omaha to Beatrice, Nebraska to view today's total eclipse. The omens weren't good for today as I watched forked lightning bolts shoot across the Omaha sky. Beatrice is a town of over 12,000 people. It was a very popular destination for eclipse-watchers and I wouldn't be surprised if the population tripled today. I got the pronunciation of the town name wrong. It's pronounced BEE-AH-TREECE.

I joined the crowds in the local park and an hour before the eclipse started the umbrellas came out as the rain came down. Fortunately the rain stopped shortly after although the sky remained cloudy.

The moon very slowly started biting into the sun. The clouds kept interfering with our view.

Now the sun is totally covered and you can see the suns outer corona, something you can't normally see because the sun's brightness obscures it. The pink fringes may be solar flares or it could be from the camera lens. Up until this point swifts had been flying continuously overhead. As soon as the sun disappeared so did the swifts probably back to their nests. At the same time a chorus of Cicadas filled the trees which, when I first heard them in Pennsylvania I had assumed were crickets. But I was informed that crickets live on the ground and are much quieter than the tree-living Cicadas.

This is the sun re-appearing. Unfortunately clouds obscured the 'diamond ring' effect when a burst of light appears when the moon starts to move.

Some keen eclipse watchers carried on viewing the last few remaining minutes of the eclipse.

I decided to explore Beatrice after seeing these long miles of traffic leaving town.

This is Beatrice Museum which is the former railway station.

And this is Beatrice's own version of the Statue of Liberty.

Beatrice's traffic cops were kept busy with all the visitors all wanting to leave at the same time (apart from me)

The owner of this computer repair store was outside as I walked past and after asking if I enjoyed the eclipse invited me in to see his collection of figures.

These Simpsons figures were life-size; I should have sat down next to Homer and had my picture taken.

He then invited me outside to see his Jurassic Park Humvee complete with dinosaur.

If I thought that my encounter with Beatrice's friendly citizens was now over I was very much mistaken. These three lovely ladies stopped me and offered me a goody bag of sweets, nuts and fruit and then told me about their establishment which was a former hotel where the Hollywood star, Robert Taylor once stayed in the room with the balcony in the top photo. Then they took me for a tour of the building which isn't a care home but a Senior Living Community. It wasn't what I would have expected and I am now going to ask my daughter, Anja to reserve me a place, which by the amount of times I have failed to contact her on this trip will probably be next week. You ladies have helped put Beatrice into the Top Town of All the Towns I Have Visited in the US so far. I didn't get the name of the lady on the left but thank you whoever you are and to Danielle and Sue. You'll be seeing me next week! By the way I would have loved one of your cool eclipse T-shirts.

Beatrice's hard-working traffic cops and their cool police cruiser.

Beatrice's businesses took the opportunity of the eclipse to advertise their product.

I finally found one of the old public telephone boxes. I hung around hoping that Clark Kent would pop in to get changed but he was probably stuck in traffic.

On the way back to pick up my car I came across Beatrice's Big Blue River and I wish I had seen it before all the mud got into the water.

I then travelled to Broken Bow in Nebraska to stay the night. Broken Bow was settled in the 1860's and was named from a broken bow found at a former Indian camping site.

Broken Bow has several banks around it's town centre. I wonder if Bonny and Clyde ever stopped here?

This bar and grill welcomes bikers.

While this hotel/restaurant/bar where I stayed and ate welcomes cowboys which I suppose makes me a cowboy. By the way anyone waiting for a postcard from me, they are in the blue mailbox outside the hotel.

This is Broken Bow's lovely town square.

Oh My, I'm in Omaha

2017-08-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's unsuccessful attempt to buy eclipse glasses I joined other guests for breakfast and a chat, with me doing most of the chatting, naturally. After breakfast one of the B&B's owners introduced me to some of the other guests one of whom presented me with a pair of eclipse glasses and refused to take any payment for them. I can't get enough of American's generosity, helpfulness and openness to myself.

After leaving Iowa City I headed for the Field of Dreams Movie site in Iowa. This was created for the Kevin Costner 1989 film also starring Burt Lancaster in his last movie. Kevin Costner is a farmer who keeps hearing a voice saying 'If you build it, he will come' and decides to plough up his cornfield and build a baseball pitch. I won't say more about the story in case you haven't seen it but if you haven't seen you should try and catch it. It's a very moving and magical film which will make you fall in love with baseball. After filming finished the farmer who owned the land kept everything in place and only added a small gift shop. There is no charge for entry and people can play baseball there free of charge.

This lady was sitting on the bleachers and kindly allowed me to take her photo.

This gentleman was dressed in the period 1920's baseball uniform as featured in the film.

The owner of the B&B told me that he also had some German visitors staying and I think I can see one of them in this photo.

The beautiful house and gardens of Oft's B&B.

These are some shots of one of Bennington's streets. The above photo has a school flag outside but I suspect it isn't Bennington Elementary School.

The above panels feature illustrations from Bennington's past including the above featuring the Oft family name.

This is the Stumble Inn so naturally I went in for dinner and a cold beer.

It's hard to walk past a classic American Harley-Davidson bike without photographing it.

Walked past this veteran's memorial and saw two gentlemen takin g photos. I spoke to them and discovered that one was a navy veteran.

The Oft B&B at night.

When I got back I spoke to the owners Gordon and Linda who told me more about the history of their family home including this writing bureau which belonged to Gordon's grandfather. Gordon incidentally was Bennington's mayor for two terms.

Iowa City is Amazing

2017-08-19T20:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry, no posts from Toledo, Ohio where I stayed last night. Arrived late in Iowa City for an overnight stop.

When I arrived at my Bed & Breakfast (The Brown Street Inn) I was greeted by these flags. I asked the owner, Mark, if the Union Jack was for my benefit and he said it was. I happened to mention that strictly speaking it should have been the Scottish flag but he didn't have one to hand. It wasn't very gracious of me to come out with that comment given that the Union Jack does actually contain the Scottish flag in its design.

Went into the city to try and track down glasses for the solar eclipse on Monday as I found out today that they are rarer than hen's teeth but without success. Certain members of my family might comment that I should have ordered a pair before I left, which I had but Amazon delivered them to my home address the day after I left for the USA. Thank you, Amazon.

Iowa City is a university town and this is the weekend when all the students return. These are a couple of the fine university buildings.

Iowa City is a very modern-looking city with wide thoroughfares. The city sidewalks were filled with throngs of students greeting each other.

Photographed this Deadwood Bar & Grill as I'll be visiting the actual town of Deadwood in a few days.

Saw this contraption on the sidewalk and had to check it out. It's a bicycle
repair station. You hang your bike on it and there is a pump and a selection of
tools so you can work on your bike.

And next to the repair station is one of the coolest bike stands I have come across.
I assume from all this that bikes are big amongst the student population.

I have always wanted to see one of these, a drive-thru bank. I assume that bank robbers
find them very convenient.

This is the Atlas restaurant where I had a lovely meal. I was served by really friendly
waiters and waitresses and when I remarked how friendly Americans have been to me
she told me that they have an expression here called 'Iowa Nice' and it was. There are
some funny YouTube videos which explains why Iowa is Nice at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLZZ6JD0g9Y

Banners on street lamps welcoming students.

Near the restaurant was this open air free screening of the film 'Finding Nemo' Wow!
Free cinema! These Iowans really are nice.

Floodlit version of one of the previous photos.

Canada, Oh Canada (and Niagara)

2017-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

From readers of last night's blog: So what was in the envelope? My daughter and her fiancée, Ryan are getting married in October. I had moaned at Anja before I left that I wouldn't receive my invitation to their wedding until I returned from my USA trip. I had obviously overdone the moaning because when I arrived at Oscars B&B I was presented with my invitation sent by air mail from Scotland. Anja had arranged all this with the owners of the B&B.

Me receiving my invitation and close-up of invite. Anja, I'm sorry but I won't be able to walk you down the aisle as I have decided to seek political asylum in Canada.

Exterior and interior shots of Oscars B&B.

The elevator shaft which takes you down to the Maid of the Mist boat. And yes, those blue dots are people who've just left the boat.

The closest falls are the American Falls, the ones in the distance are the Canadian Falls.

This is the bridge which takes you over to the Canadian side.

These might be the garments which inspired Leonard Cohen's song 'Famous Blue Raincoat'

Passengers on the Canadian boat wear red raincoats (must be flag colour thing).

Just to illustrate that Scotsman don't just look great in kilts we also look good in blue.

Boarding the Maid of the Mist.

Approaching and leaving the American Falls.

Passengers waving at the Canadian passengers (and probably coveting their red raincoats).

Arriving at the Canadian Falls is when things got really wild. I was so busy taking photos and removing spray from my lens that I didn't realise we were getting close to the falls until I heard screaming coming from the crowd.

Now it's the Canadian's turn to get soaked.

I went downstairs on the boat to find it less crowded but I don't think the experience would have been as intense.

The sister boat heading out.

This is the sight that greets you as you climb up to the viewing platforms.

People waiting in line to have their photo taken at the viewing platform.

Finally it was my turn and I could sense admiring glances from people amazed at the courage it took for me to stand on the platform on my own.

Now comes the long descent to the bottom of the elevator shaft just so we can rise up again.

This employee in the baseball cap was absolutely brilliant. He was asking each person where they were from and he said something in their language or imitated their accent although he spoiled it for me when I told him I was from Scotland and he said "You all right, mate?" in a strong Mary Poppins Cockney accent.

View from the elevator platform.

If you want to gamble just cross the border.

I do like the Canadian raincoats.

Canadian and USA boats prepare to re-enact the battle of 1812. (The Canadians, or at least the British lost).

Saw this eagle flying over the falls (not sure of its nationality).

The power of these falls has to be seen and heard to be believed.

This is the river as it approaches the falls.

This bridge must be so strong to cope with the torrential river.

Under the bridge this seabird was taking it all in his stride (while standing on one leg) on some trapped logs.

Does this sign mean that people were crossing the bridge barefoot?

Got a better view of the bird from the bridge.

Saw these beautiful flowers in the Niagara park gardens

Decided to seek asylum in Canada

So far, so good. I'm half way across to Canada.

They let me in while they considered my application to stay. Meanwhile it was difficult to
believe I was in Canada with it's yellow school buses and adverts for Hershey Chocolate.

They did have a Hard Rock Café complete with a Hard Rock singer.

And a genuine London Transport Routemaster bus.

Just in case people back home don't believe I was in Canada here are some Canadian flags
and a Canadian fire service vehicle.

Elvis is alive and living in Canada.

Here's the zipline...

... and here are the people falling towards the falls.

If they had fallen into the falls there were two boats waiting to pick them up.

An employee instructs the rider in the importance of extending your arms as you fall
towards the falls.

The lady on the right hasn't been told about extending her arms. I so wanted to join the
line for this attraction but I had to wait for the result of my Canadian asylum application.

After having my asylum application rejected (it seems not wanting to go to your daughter's
wedding isn't sufficient grounds for entry to Canada) I was ejected from Canada and made
my way back across the bridge where I saw this Cruise America RV. This was the exact
model that I booked for last year's trip which I had to cancel. People on board waved as I
took their photograph.

Near the big waterfall is this little baby waterfall which doesn't get the same attention.

While I had been away the USA had closed its gates but fortunately they relented and let me
back in.

On the way to a restaurant tonight came across this lovely dwelling which is how people
decorate their house in an individual manner in this area of Buffalo.

Surprised at Buffalo

2017-08-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Set off by car from Boston this morning to Buffalo but made a short detour to see Manchester-by-the-Sea and Gloucester both on the Massachusetts' coast.

The above photos were taken at Manchester-by-the-Sea where the Casey Affleck film of the same name was filmed. The film went on to win two Oscars.

This is the Fisherman's Memorial at Gloucester which is where the 2000 George Clooney film, The Perfect Storm was filmed. It was based on the true story of how the fishing boat, The Andrea Gail and all its crew were lost at sea in 1991.

This is the rest of the memorial with panels listing all the fisherman from Gloucester who have been lost at sea.

On the above panels can be seen the crew lost in 1991.

The above panels give some of the history of Gloucester's fishermen. The panels mention over 5,300 men lost at sea; an indication of how dangerous the job was and still is to this day.

This panel starts with a list of names in 1719 although fishing began one hundred years before.

Part of the smaller harbour at Gloucester. I wasn't able to get on to the main harbour where the film was set.

After a long drive from Massachusetts, the USA is a BIG country, I finally arrived in Buffalo at the wonderful Oscar's B&B where I drank wine on the porch all evening in the company of some very interesting and welcoming guests. At the end of the evening I was presented with an envelope from the lady of the house. What was in it? You'll have to read tomorrow's blog post to find out.

Ducks, More Ducks and a Surprise Meeting

2017-08-15T22:03:00.002-07:00

My only full day in Boston so decided to get myself lost and see what I could find.

Staircases at my B&B. Photos are of local women connected with the college building.

This was my first duck sighting of the day. I had seen signs yesterday for Boston Duck Tours and

wondered why anyone would want to look at ducks, apart from Heidi of course.

Then I saw these vehicles on the streets and realised that these amphibious vehicles from World

War 2, called DUKW vehicles were being used as a tourist ride

Anyone looking to enjoy some 80's pop in this building may be disappointed.
This houses the Boston Symphony Orchestra which plays light and popular classical music.

On my 'Getting Lost' walk I came across these plots of land which looked exactly like allotments back
home.

I then came across this gentleman whose name is Mahmoud who originally came from Egypt
who told me that just as in Britain plots of land were given to local people to grow vegetables
during World War 2. Only here in Boston most people converted their plots to flower gardens after
the war. Mahmoud is shown here looking at the tree which he looks after and successfully fought the
city council which wanted to remove it.

Some of the bridges in Boston carry this slogan after the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013.

Good street reflections on these modern buildings.

More typical Boston flower arrangements.

This occupant probably has to barbecue in the street perhaps due to the lack of a back garden.

Came across this Chinese gentleman playing gentle music in the park.

Came across the swan boats in action. They proved very popular. The biggest surprise was that
they were pedal-powered, giving the captain an opportunity for a complete gym workout.

Had lunch at the Jacob Writh restaurant, a German restaurant which dates from the 1860's.

This was the biggest surprise of my trip so far. While walking down a shopping street I came across
a branch of Primark, the British clothing chain, no that wasn't the surprise, please be more patient.
The surprise was when I asked these two young ladies where I should pay for these items I
recognised her Scottish accent. She then introduced her colleague who is also from Scotland. An
even bigger surprise is that one of them had actually been to the wedding venue near Dundee where
my daughter, Anja is to be married in October. So thank you Annie and Maria (I hope I got your
names right!)

This is Paul Revere's house who famously road through the local countryside crying
"The British are Coming" in 1775 which was probably a reference to my planned visit
this year although shouldn't his cry have been "The Scottish are Coming" given the
amount of Scots in the city?

Paul Revere's statue.

This is Coop's Hill Burying Ground which dates from the 1660's.
Here you can see a guide in period costume.

This rusted bridge carries six lanes of traffic and has a temporary feel to it although has
probably been around for decades.

Just before the bridge is this plaque honouring a police officer killed in 1898.

This is the USS Constitution also know as 'Old Ironsides' which successfully fought the Royal Navy.

This is the USS Cassin Young which fought off kamikaze attacks in World War 2.

The officer's wardroom.

This bear-looking dog was stalking a squirrel at the time.

This row of ducks commemorates a famous children's book called 'Make Way for Ducklings'.
I count seven or maybe eight ducks here. Is that correct?

I wonder how the 45th President of the United States feels about this poster?

I just had to photograph an American fire hydrant.

Ducking Around Boston

2017-08-14T20:18:00.001-07:00

Left DC this morning by train for Boston. Two reasons for visiting Boston: The Bostonian Accent and the architecture which makes parts of Boston look like a town in England.

This is the B&B I am staying at in Boston. The College Club of Boston is the oldest women's college club in the United States. Part of the premises are used as a B&B.

Just 200 yards from the B&B is the beautiful Boston Public Garden. In the middle is this large boating lake with swans. I am looking forward to going out on one as it always has been my ambition to star in Swan Lake.

Found a unique Boston duck in this scene.

A squirrel running down the tree to meet his friend Donald.

In Boston even the Mr Frosty ice cream truck is patriotic.

Some typical Boston buildings.

This building is actually a steakhouse.

This sandwich bar is offering free smells; I think I would rather have free tastes.

Sculpture of Edgar Allen Poe carrying a suitcase with a large raven bursting out of it.

Found this great little pub in the middle of theatre land.

Washington - Day and Night

2017-08-13T21:44:00.005-07:00

Washington's Capitol Building, Home of the Congress and Senate.

This beautifully curved museum is the National Museum of the American Indian.

A Washington Metro station.

Arlington National Cemetery where the dead of American military conflicts are buried. Over 400,000 internments have been made.

This is the burial site of John F Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963. An eternal flame burns in the background.

The Pentagon and the Pentagon Memorial commemorating the plane attack on the Pentagon on September 11.

Near my B&B I saw a woman walking along carrying a remote control with this device preceding her. I asked her what it was and she said it was a remote delivery vehicle.

The White House looks even better when floodlit.

These two people at the White House have a poster which reads "If U R not outraged U R Not Paying Attention". Their candles spell out 'Love'

A much larger group were nearby, singing songs.

The woman with the Black Lives Matter is holding a poster which has a quote from Martin Luther King which reads 'We Must Live Together as Brothers or Perish Together As Fools'

I edited this post the following day after catching up with the news about Heather Heyer being run over and murdered by a neo-Nazi in Charlottesville. I had seen the name on the above poster but knew nothing about it at the time. I had noticed some of the women crying in groups while others sang.

The Washington Monument.

The Jefferson Memorial.

The World War 2 |Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool.

Even at 10.30 at night the Lincoln Memorial is busy with visitors.

Inspiring Memorials in DC

2017-08-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

I tried to make up for lost time after yesterday's torrential downpour and headed for Washington's landmarks.

Just around the corner from my Bread & Breakfast I came across these pride rainbow flags decorating Safeway's store and other businesses.

There was much evidence of security outside the White House today including these police sniffer dogs.

This is the memorial to American soldiers who died in the First World War. I created an earlier blog about the Black Isle Foundry near where I live who created a memorial to the Rainbow Division who were the first US troops to be sent to the front line in 1917 The link to that blog is http://blackislebronze.blogspot.co.uk/ and there is more information at this page http://croixrougefarm.org/the-sculpture/

The Washington Monument

This is the entrance to the huge World War 2 Memorial.

Left and right side of the World War 2 Memorial.

Around the memorial are these relief plaques featuring people listening to the announcement of the outbreak of the war

And here a grave detail burying their fallen comrades

And here the victory celebrations.

These wreaths were placed recently by several countries including the one on the left from the British Embassy.

Another photo of the World War 2 Memorial.

This photo looks back through the memorial to the Washington Monument.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

I hadn't heard of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial until this morning until a fellow guest mentioned it at breakfast at the B&B. You can see the entrance here with the middle cut out and pushed forward.

The middle part has an inscription which reads "Out of the Mountain of Despair, a Stone of Hope" which comes from King's 'I Have a Dream' speech.

This is the mountain mentioned on the inscription with the middle section being the stone of hope.

I then went around to look at the 14 panels with quotes from King's speeches including this one which reads "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." Norway 1964.

And this one which reads "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." 1963. His words are as true today as when they were first spoken over 50 years ago.

I then walked around the front of the Stone of Hope block to be greeted by this magnificent sculpture of King. I am so glad that I came along ignorant of this statue as its impact on me was so much the greater. I live in hope that in the future other leaders will come forward to inspire and move future generations in the way that my generation was inspired and moved by King's speeches.

This photo gives an idea of the scale of the Stone of Hope and its relation to the Mountain.

On the way to the Lincoln Memorial I asked this sailor if I could take his photo. I told him that my wife would have loved to have seen him in his dress whites as one of her favourite films was Richard Gere's An Officer and a Gentleman.

The Lincoln Memorial with crowds of visitors.

Unlike King's memorial I knew what to expect with Lincoln's memorial having seen it often in film, TV and photos but still the size and presence of the statue is overwhelming.

This is the second time in a few days that I have read the inscription of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address but the closeness of Lincoln's statue made it much more emotional.

Some more shots of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument and the Capitol.

Although I was aware of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall I hadn't seen this sculpture of the Three Soldiers which looks over towards the Wall.

The beginning of the Wall.

One of the many volunteers helping visitors take rubbings from the Wall.

The memorial has been designed so that visitors see their own reflection in the list of names which is meant to bring the past and present together.

And here another volunteer helps a visitor.

A solitary photograph is left under a column of names. I spoke to one of the memorial's staff who told me that all mementos left at the Wall are collected and stored. He told me that one day someone left a Harley Davidson motorcycle with licence plate 'Hero' by the Wall.

The last section of the Wall. It's hard to believe that 58,318 names including eight women adorn the Wall. Of these over 60 percent were younger than 21years of age.

I saw some visitors looking through this list of Vietnam dead and asked if them if it was someone they knew but they said they were just looking for someone who had the same name so I decided to look for my namesake and found two.

After such an emotional experience viewing all the memorials it was refreshing to see this duck-filled pond.

On the other side of the duck pond I saw this grey squirrel and his two friends.

I then saw this collection of ducklings whose parents obviously felt safe leaving a stranger in charge.

Near the Washington Monument stands this wonderful modern building which houses the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

As I walked up to catch the bus back to the B&B I came across Trump's second residence in DC.