Tagged With "West Coast"
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Re: Sweden jumps into night-train market
I'd agree on the Amtrak experience: fine trip, but not sleep-friendly on the Sunset Limited or the Coast Starlight. But I also found the Catania-to-Naples night train not the smoothest either, but it did come with the excitement of the entire train being loaded onto the ferry for the crossing to the mainland!
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Re: South America, part 3 - Nesting Leatherback Sea Turtles
Fascinating! I was just visiting Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia today and discovered that leatherbacks like to spend their summers off the coast feasting on jellyfish. Amazing what long journeys they make to lay their eggs.
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Re: How Low Can You Go? Norwegian Air's Chief Bets on It
After seeing todays prices ,he's not joking around. He's putting the loss leaders right out there to set the tone. The West Coast prices are absolutely incredible. I sure hope it lasts
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Re: Hop a Cheap Flight to Turkey
Rob, I like your recurring posts when you see these great fares. I hope you continue doing it, including from airports other than the east coast. Good work. PM
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center
Last launch I watched was from the East Coast of Florida - maybe near Cocoa Beach. The Sky was complete darkness, just a few stars and the moon. We were listening to the launch radio station from about T minus 15 minutes - as NASA described the last minute checks. A few seconds before launch time you could see the ground at Cape Canaveral illuminated like a bright white flare. The steam from the launch pad turned into a white cloud and on "Zero" the rocket was moving slowly into the air. For...
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Re: Southwest Pulling Out of Smaller Cities
Originally Posted by Travel Rob: I wanted to link to our story on Allegiant ,which is in part expanding because of Southwest eliminating these smaller city routes. https://www.travelgumbo.com/blo...tes-in-the-northeast
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
To say that Ireland is typically wet and cold is true of Winter. The Summers are often pleasant and warm but when you get to the West Coast then the wind blows in of a cold Atlantic Ocean. But the weather can change 4 times a day - so there's something there to please everyone. Ireland has wonderful fresh food. Fresh from the sea and farm. Try a locally produced Vintage Cheddar Cheese or an 18 year old Jamesons Whiskey. Soda bread is a local speciality. But stay away from the home made...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
I'm becoming more intrigued by the day. On the practical side of things, specifically how to get there, what's your usual route, DrF, or is there a best way. From the US west coast. I'm thinking about using miles and I haven't found a cheap way yet for an onward flight from, say, BKK or HKG to Colombo. India is the obvious closest but costs more miles to get to than BKK. Any ideas? AA miles if have any experience with that alliance.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Thanks, PortMoresby! And we've not even been to the sacred tooth relic in Kandy, the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa, the beautiful hill country filled with tea plantations and "The World's End", a wildlife safari at Yala National Park, nor any of the nice beaches (but keep reading -- reports on these are coming). Sri Lanka is a great destination, especially now that the civil war is over. I was doubly lucky to not only be able to visit a dear friend there but to have time to leisurely explore...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #15
I believe WorkerBee, our master puzzle solver, has figured this one out. Go ahead and spell it out, WorkerBee. It's Friday evening now (somewhere, if not the west coast). Time for the reveal!
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Re: Greenland from six miles high!
I agree it's a spectacular sight not to be missed and that there's more to Greenland that just the ice sheet. 2014 will see me on my 7th month-long visit in the last 9 years. I will again hike alone from Sisimiut on the west coast to a location north east of Kangerlussuaq (something like 110 - 120 miles) and then join colleagues doing wild goose research. By all means aim to set foot on the ground there and enjoy camping in the remote arctic landscape - being alone out there is a unique...
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Re: United's Award Chart: Premium Award Cost Goes UP
I think you'll find reward trips from the Western USA are harder to get for European travel than from the East coast. But if your schedule is flexible, you could be lucky.
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Re: Ryanair: Sell the Extras, Give Away the Tickets?
For those who were traveling to Europe about 30 years ago, you may or may not remember the short-lived airline, People's Express. I bought 2 tickets from the US West Coast to Brussels for $300 each which was, if I recall, an introductory price and very cheap even then. They didn't last long which I lamented as I liked the CEO's attitude and approach. On the other hand, I think O'Leary has something up his sleeve, he always does, making noise for the publicity. A most unpleasant man, from all...
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Re: May 11, 2016: Shoshone Falls – Niagara of the West
I love Shoshone Falls! Thanks for sharing this with us.
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Re: May 11, 2016: Shoshone Falls – Niagara of the West
You are very welcome. We had never been to Idaho, and Twin Falls is now one of my favorite cities. Such a gorgeous state. Glad you enjoyed my post
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Re: May 11, 2016: Shoshone Falls – Niagara of the West
Glad you enjoyed my post. I really did fall in love with Twin Falls. Can't wait to visit again one day.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#252)
Here are Thursday's clues, and The Puzzler hopes they find you all in better weather than he is anticipating on the U.S. East Coast!
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Re: Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt seeing visitors again
The Canary Isles are an all year Spanish hot spot - located off the coast of Africa. Perfect for a Christmas Vacation too !
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Re: In Egypt: Luxor West Bank
A brilliant collection of pictures and commentary. Avoiding the bus loads is all down to timing, so your patience was well rewarded ! I've visited the West Bank loads of times with groups and it never fails to astound ! Our trips began by meeting up with a host of donkeys from the ferry, at 4.30am. We rode up to cross the cliff top above Hatshepsut's temple then walk down to the Valley of the Kings. Riding a donkey named Saddam up there was always a guaranteed wake-up
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Re: In Egypt: Luxor West Bank
It sounds a perfect way to see the area, though at that hour you'd likely have enjoyed the views without me. I understand the path from Hatshepsut's Temple to Valley of the Kings is now off limits, presumably because of the incident at the temple. You're lucky to have had the experience when you did. Thanks!
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Re: In Egypt: Luxor West Bank
Excellent photos. Your patience paid off since capturing historical locations like these are difficult without them being somewhat obscured by throngs of tourists.
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Re: In Egypt: Luxor West Bank
Thanks, George. The fact that there really are no throngs makes this the perfect time to visit Egypt.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#261)
They look like cypress tress, maybe from the California coast?
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Re: Visiting historic Skagway, Alaska
I enjoyed this piece, Tom, and find the little town of Skagway charming if there's no cruise ships around. Make sure if you visit that you also go to the town's little cemetery and see if you can find the grave marker of the villainous Soapy Smith. There was a different way to reach the Klondike in addition to those Tom writes about, which while safer was not very successful. That involved sailing all the way up the coast of Alaska, entering the mouth of the Yukon river and navigating...
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Re: Fares to Europe for as Low as $301 Round Trip Total!
For those of you on the West Coast,Norwegian still has some outstanding deals like this one from Oakland to Stockholm $376.00 rt total Oakland - San Francisco - Stockholm-Arlanda Friday 23. Jan 2015 10:00 PM - Terminal: 1 Flight DY7068 - LowFare 1 Adult $185.00 Return Stockholm-Arlanda - Oakland - San Francisco Friday 30. Jan 2015 6:30 PM - Terminal: 5 Flight DY7067 - LowFare 1 Adult $190.10 Total price incl. all taxes and surcharges $375.10
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Re: RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee
Thanks for the tour of this music Mecca, Ottoman. I'm a big music fan and always enjoy these sort of articles. It's interesting to know the history behind where the artists recorded their music and this looks like a must to visit.
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Re: The Top South Florida Beaches to Visit
Beautiful! I've only been to Florida beaches once...was impressed by the very gentle surf and slow incline where we were. Great for young kids!
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Re: The Top South Florida Beaches to Visit
Thanks Katy ,some great beaches The water is great for swimming in Florida.The beaches are great .If your coming from out of state though, realize summer is hot,humid and rainy
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Re: The Top South Florida Beaches to Visit
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: Which is your favorite beach -- or aren't you going to share that special place with the rest of the world? I honestly love all of them for each of the reasons I mentioned!
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Re: Canada: See it all while you're young (Summer Rail Passes)
A one way flight from Vancouver to the east coast of Canada might run you $700.00. Remember, you're talking about distance of almost 4000 mi/6000 km between Vancouver and Halifax. Travels north towards the Yukon and NWT are also expensive, so if you will actively travel for 2 months, this is a good value.
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Re: The Top South Florida Beaches to Visit
Which is your favorite beach -- or aren't you going to share that special place with the rest of the world?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#39)
I know it says Union Pacific, so might this be a west coast picture?
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Re: England gets a coast-to-coast canoe route
Can we count on you to make a coast-to-coast transit your next project! Looks like fun, even for we of a certain age...
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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!
Many Americans travel to the Capital - Havana. Its a big - overgrown and mostly poor city. Not really a flavour of the real Cuba and its people. Wherever you go on the Island they do 2-3 day trips to Havana. The stores are mostly empty and food is strictly rationed to the locals. So you'll be better going to one of the hundreds of All Inclusive Hotels that line the coast. Inclusive vacations fly from Toronto to Resorts all around the Island. Very much like Dominican Republic - without the...
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Re: Road Trip, Day 2: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
It is, DrF. This from Janet at the garden by email this morning: "Thank you for sharing your blog (and beautiful pictures!!!) We appreciate your help in getting word out to folks about our wonderful gardens." Best, Janet Ferraiolo Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
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Re: Road Trip, Day 2: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
I received another note this morning, in part: "Thank you so much for the lovely blog post about our Gardens. I have posted the link to our Facebook page and added it also to our website, under In the News ." Elizabeth (Liz) Petersen Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Click on Liz's 'In the News' link above and see Travel Gumbo at the top. Thank you, too, Liz!
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Re: Channel ferries: more than a nostalgia trip
A timely post, PHeymont. Trying to simplify a proposed trip to the UK and Portugal, and also slip in a bit of Spain along the way, I'm seriously considering the ferries from the south coast of England to Bilbao & environs, then train down to Portugal. I'm sure it will save me money, as opposed to trains, using the ferries, most of which I wasn't aware of until I took a good look at the broken lines showing ferry routes on Google maps.
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Re: How cold is this winter? Niagara Falls has frozen over!
When the US east coast has a severe winter then the folks in northern Europe escape with a cool and dry season. Perhaps we can put all this talk of "Warming" safely to bed !
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Re: Max Gate - home of British author Thomas Hardy
It was right at the end of about a week walking on that killer path, the Southwest Coast Path, and isn't SO far from Dorchester. But you don't need to be impressed, Mac, I ran out of gas just as I was leaving Hardy's Cottage to start back and instead of returning on foot, called the hotel and had them send a taxi to fetch us. But walking does put me in the mood to visit historic places. Arriving by car, which I've done with friends and in rental cars, just isn't the same. There's nothing...
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Re: Germans Reflect on Reunification
I was in Berlin on Saturday, the day of the 25th anniversary of reunification. There were tons of people in the city, as crowded as I've ever seen any major city. The main activities were in the Tiergarten, especially around the Brandenburg gate. By the time we made our way there, the police had closed down the area and were not allowing more people in because it was overcrowded. Still, everyone seemed well behaved and having a nice time. I think most Germans feel reunification was a good...
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Re: Signs of Key West
Wonderful collection and some wonderful memories DrF. 3 years ago when my son got married there.
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Re: Possible second Viking site found in Newfoundland
I wouldn't be surprised if they made their way up the St. Lawrence River some, and down the coast past New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and to the Northeastern state regions of the USA. It seems their earlier explorations were at a time of warmer weather and that what might have limited their travels and caused them to pull back was the beginning of a spell of cold weathers, perhaps even a mini-ice age. Iceland used to be a forested country, but it didn't take but 200 years or so until the Vikings...
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Re: Getting to know Canada's hidden gems
There are ruins of a Viking settlement in the northwest corner of Newfoundland. Admittedly a remote hard to get to place, but I'd like to see them someday. Indian tribes tended just to bunker down in the winter in a place they knew would be safe for them. Sheltered somewhat from the wind, wood and fresh water supply nearby, etc. Food was generally harvested in the summer and consumed during the cold winter months. Their tents were constructed of hides (as were their clothes) and are...
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Re: Campaigners ask: Can the QE2 be saved?
I read some years ago of extensive ship-breaking on the Bangladesh coast, where labor is cheap and regulations scanty...an immense amount of dangerous work, but because the labor is cheap, the scrap profits are high, or higher than they would be if the cost of recovery were high. Which leads me to wonder: what would be the economic value of that long tow to Brownsville as opposed to scrapping the ship on the West Coast? Ideas, anyone?
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Re: Hong Kong Airlines gets its first North America route
With a catchment area covering Auckland, Gold Coast, Shanghai, Sanya, Bangkok, Bali, Tokyo, Sapporo, Beijing and Okinawa. Hong Kong Airlines has a lot to offer travellers to the American continent.
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Re: A visit to Normandy: exploring the D-Day beaches
Thanks for your comment, Arion. It's hard not to be moved by D-Day. The vastness of the assault, the staggering loss of life (civilian and military). What most impressed me is that the local people remember. Not French people away from the coast, but those whose relatives went through the assault make a point of teaching their children and grandchildren the price paid to liberate them from the Nazi fascists. The Juno Beach Center, built by the Canadian Beach, really did a great job of...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #4.5, 12/6/13
The water seems pretty shallow pretty far from the beach and not a lot of surf. Is it along the coast of Florida somewhere? Those people look like snowbirds.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #4.5, 12/6/13
WorkerBee - Indeed, it does look like that. Similar to pic below, if you ignore those buildings. Does Newport Beach have a mountain ? There must be a lot of contractors going up and down the coast of California, building and re-building similar piers.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #4.5: Newport Pier, Newport Beach, California
Hey, everybody: Check in tomorrow for a new Where in the World! It will be on display at 5 am EST. Hope that doesn't put the West Coast at a disadvantage...but I don't think anyone is going to get it right away!
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #4.0: Queen Mary in Long Beach Harbor, California
Hey, everybody: Check in tomorrow for a new Where in the World! It will be on display at 5 am EST. Hope that doesn't put the West Coast at a disadvantage...but I don't think anyone is going to get it right away!