Tagged With "Marianne North"
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Re: England’s Thames Path: Kew Gardens
My wife Diane and I spent almost an entire day at Kew Gardens. So much natural beauty to see. We arrived from central London at the Kew Station in mid-morning and didn't leave until almost dusk. At one time our son had a possibility of being transferred to London and I recommended getting a place in the Kew Garden area for the beauty and quiet. One of my photos from Kew.
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
That's good news, Mac! OK...the leaves start turning first in the north, moving south as the weather changes...but timing is always tricky because it depends on each year's combination of temperature and humidity. Here's a link to a site I've found useful in the past...it's from Yankee magazine, and includes a live map of the progress of the leaves as well as itineraries and more. http://www.yankeefoliage.com/ We haven't had a good leaf-peeping piece on Gumbo yet, so I'm looking forward to...
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Glad you're traveling again, Mac. Boston is my home town, and October is THE BEST MONTH. Where are you staying in the city? I'd walk the Freedom Trail if you're feeling up to it. Go down to the waterfront. Boston Common and Charles Street are fun places to hang out. Newbury Street is fancy shopping and also has a few fun bistros and coffee shops. The Science Museum is excellent. Plenty of seafood to be had. New England clam chowder is great if you have sweater-weather. Go whale-watching...
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Re: July 28, 2016: Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
It really is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Thanks for reminding us of these great views!
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Re: Portland, Maine: A Big Little City
It's about 30 miles north of Cabot's Cove, which is near Wells, Maine. Which is at one end of the excellent Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which combines forest and shore habitats and makes a wonderful walk. It was featured in a couple of Pictures of the Day, and was the scene, back in 2013, of Where in the World is TravelGumbo #5
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Re: Sept 1, 2016: Wild Roses on the River Side.
A great moment of a wonderful day.... We have wild roses in North America too, at least in the mountains and northern parts. But they are smaller and while they smell nice, are not as fragrant as those you describe.
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Re: Top 4 Rafting Destinations in Europe
Thanks for this! I usually think only of North America when rafting is mentioned, but obviously that's been a mistake...
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Re: Red Brick and Sandstone: Look of the North
If you had travelled a mile north you would have seen the biggest brick built building in the world. Liverpool Tobacco Warehouse, The 14 storey building spans across 36 acres - and its construction used 27 million bricks, 30,000 panes of glass and 8,000 tons of steel
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Re: Belfast: An Uneasy City
I think I have to disagree on comparing human societies to plate tectonics; over the latter we have no control, but I would hate to ever think we've exhausted the possibility of dealing with the former. Examining mass religious conflicts generally reveals other issues beneath. That's certainly true of the long and tortured history between the two islands and the two Irelands. While James was a Catholic and William a Protestant, the real issues behind the conflict that set Ireland's future...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: Jan. 16, 2014: Liverpool Victoria Gallery
My favourite time to visit attractions is May-June-July. Before the little monsters are released on school vacation. Liverpool has hundreds of things to do - no exaggeration ! Here's 128 to go on with http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/A...seyside_England.html Liverpool makes a good hub for visiting nearby Chester with its 2,000 year old Roman Walls and Tudor Buildings. The River Dee and North Wales. All using local public transport - mostly trains. You can get a flight, Liverpool - Dublin from...
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Re: Travelodge to relaunch its brand
It is the UK company and I thought it was also the North American one. Different businesses then?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
Well, I didn't expect anyone to twig it quite that fast, and it's not just because of a polar route. Although we usually don't think of Hawaii extending north of Kauai, in fact the state includes the entire Hawaiian Ridge/Emperor Seamount chain, running up to the Aleutian trench, just off Alaska's Aleutian islands. Mostly underwater, mostly administered by Federal agencies as a preservation/conservation area. Kure Atoll and Green Island is the northernmost habitable place in Hawaii, and it's...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
I was kidding about the polar route. Isn't that what people say when a thing is closest by going north? I didn't have any idea about the rest. I just looked at my globe. Gumbo is a fascinating host.
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Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus
I've never flown an A380, Mac. They still haven't caught on in North America, where Boeing clearly dominates the market. One thing that I've wonder about is with all those people to board (somewhere over 500), is the process of getting on and off the plane very slow or have they figured out how to make this move along with reasonable efficiency?
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Starting to get things planned now Hank ! You have the choice of flying into Edinburgh in Scotland. Manchester in the North of England. Or Gatwick / Heathrow which both serve the London area in the South of England. You can get a Train to Paris to end your tour with a few days of Culture in a foreign language ! Fly back to the US from Paris will save you hundreds of Dollars because you wont pay the UK "Departure Tax" but not vital ! Liverpool is less than an hour on the Train from...
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Re: Christmas in Arizona--what to do?
Thanks everyone. I have to ask you more questions! My friends have come up with two more suggestions. One is Sedona, and the other is the Navajo reservation that Tony Hillerman wrote all his books about and that has some big canyons. Is that area too far north for warm weather?
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Re: Christmas in Arizona--what to do?
Originally Posted by EyeWonder: Thanks everyone. I have to ask you more questions! My friends have come up with two more suggestions. One is Sedona, and the other is the Navajo reservation that Tony Hillerman wrote all his books about and that has some big canyons. Is that area too far north for warm weather? Navajo country is too far north and too high up for a warm winter break. But if you bring a warm jacket, it will be magical that time of year. Sedona will be nice, but with cooler days...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Thanks for your comments, Garry! We actually had very nice weather during our visit, GarryRF. It was windy and rainy at times, but being from Canada that was no great hardship. Still, good for people to be forewarned and prepared. Always pack in layers and let one layer be a rain shell. It was one of your fellow countryman who said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing" or something to that affect, but I can't remember who that was. Didn't try the "moonshine" (no one offered!), but my...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
The American addiction for "Ice Cold Beer" should not be applied to Guinness! Its a Stout - full of flavour - to be savoured - cool as the Pubs Cellar! Billy Connelly is the Scottish comedian who's observations of life have had us in stitches for years now. But like many Brits - he's felt the warm winters of LA and is reluctant to come back ! Is it uniquely British to actually enjoy cool weather? Perhaps the way we've been bred ! I do get odd looks in the Autumn when many North Americans are...
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Re: Wow! Iceland Express successor adds U.S. flights
I really am excited about hearing this.I was a big fan of Iceland Express, so I'm hoping Wow will offer the same consistent low prices to North America as they did.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
England is only as big as Florida ! I haven't seen a Guide book that sub-divides us! Wales is full of Castles, Mountains and Lakes. Tourists often divide England between the North and South. The North is often cooler and wetter than further South. But your Dollar will go twice as far up here in the North! And we're much friendlier. Have a look at places you'd like to visit. York (the old one) will keep you busy for 2 days. Train or Bus from Liverpool. Or a day or two in Europe from Liverpool...
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hi guys, hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It was good to be with my family again. Visiting and catching up with everyone took longer than I'd thought, but did do a little research into the trip and came out with this plan. Basically, with GarryRF's advice, I think I'll focus my time in the north to save money cause my budget is limited. After that I'll finish my vacation in London and Paris. I need to find places to stay but more important now just to frame the trip. The details I...
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hi Hank. If you enjoy hiking and the weathers fair then you can go up to the Snow line and above. Take the Train up, then continue on foot to the peak. Train from Llandudno Junction on the North Wales coast Plenty of info here: http://www.nationalparks.gov.u...arks/travelsnowdonia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utjPQZVpOiY for the Mountain Railway .
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Summer months are best - between May and September. Snowdon is 3,560 feet high. Temperature drops 5.4 F per 1,000 feet of elevation. This winter has been very warm so far. So the snow will clear early if it continues to be warmer than usual. You'll see the current Temps before you go up clearly displayed. The weather can change suddenly so pack for wind, rain, sun and snow ! The Mountain doesn't warm up. It depends on which way the wind blows. From the South = warm From the North =cold...
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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: "Spotted on the Road". Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Car #2... I don't know what kind of Dodges you guys have up north there, but that's a Chevy Camaro in the picture. Hey, somebody tell him what year?
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Re: WiFi on the way for international flights
Geosynchronous orbit is only close enough to planes flying in that area (ie. around the equator). A plane flying the polar route from North America to Europe won't be able to connect with a geosynchronous satellite. They will be connecting with a series of lower altitude satellites, not unlike global satellite phone system. These satellites are moving quickly, as is the plane.
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
I have not done that, Rob, but I do have some friends in North Dakota. The wages are good, but before anyone makes the jump there, be sure you understand the cost of housing and such. Apartments and homes are in short supply and expensive. But as you pointed out, so is labor. So if you can share an apartment with someone and are willing to work more than 40 hours a week, you can save a nice stash of cash. Don't just go. Educate yourself. There are excellent job opportunities in the Dakotas,...
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
Yes DrFumblefinger, housing looks like a major issue there. And North Dakota can have harsh weather that one doesn't want to get stuck outside in. It is nice though to hear of places with more jobs than people
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
Just checked the unemployment rate. North Dakota's is the lowest in the nation. In Aug 2013, it was 3.0%. Neighboring South Dakota's is 3.8%, as it too benefits from the oil boom.
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Re: Venice's ban on huge cruise ships suspended
The only alternatives I can see are to build a new cruise port outside the lagoon. Chioggia might be too far, but perhaps just north of the main way into the lagoon, across the inlet from the Lido. That would provide land-based alternatives for other day trips from the boats, and could also be served by vaporetto-sized boats heading into Venice itself. Of course, I haven't consulted the folks who live there and run campgrounds there...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #20
Friday hint: The sun rises in the east...and this is North America.
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Re: Last light. Embleton Bay Northumberland. Half an hour after sunset
One of the amazing features of the North of England is how long the day is. I love waking at 4am with the sun shining on my bed. And sitting in the garden until the sky goes a dark blue for the 3 hours of night. The Twilight Zone maybe. No mosquitoes and a glass of Prosecco. Fine end to the day.
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Re: Is there Danger in frequent, long-distance travel?
I think this study focused on the frequent long distant travelers -- say those who travel to and from Europe and North America every week. That intensity of traveling and disruption of biorhythm can definitely take its toll. The vacation traveler, who goes on a few trips a year, is not the focus of this study.
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Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Certainly looks like "Something completely different" To admire its absurdity is quite refreshing. Whether it has international - appeal only time will tell. The beauty of English weather is Mac could have driven North to the Costa-del-Mersey. Cut the grass - take the grandkids to the park and a warm glow of sunburn for not wearing my hat. But with a name like Dismaland I suppose warm rain is part of the experience, Love to see more photos too
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Re: Dispatches from Ikaria: Part 1
Thanks! Greece is a lovely country - and very varied. The islands are great, but there is plenty to see on the mainland, too. We have enjoyed touring the Peloponnese and Meteora in the North. Ikaria, however, is our favourite part of the country.
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Re: Italy: Giant tour bus, tiny street
Yay ! One up for bus drivers ! I drove a 10m DAF bus 20 times from Oslo to North Cape and back. One place in the Lofotens required me to reverse down a winding dirt track with rock on one side and sea on the other with about 2ft of clearance on either side. Thank the lord for power steering and BIG mirrors. Bus drivers deserve all the tips they get !
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Re: Wolves or Cheese: France must decide
I love wolves. They are beautiful, but they are also smart and efficient predators. An easy food source like sheep is something they'll go back to again and again once tried, especially if they develop a taste for mutton. Much easier than bringing down a deer, for example, or chasing rabbits. Cattle ranchers in the north central US plains and Canada face a similar problem, where wolves can develop a taste for calves. And that is much more costly to ranchers than the loss of a sheep.
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Re: The Lure of Stonehenge
Likewise I was enthralled to be standing there. There was no line on the chilly day of my entrance. Didn't want to leave, but just stare. I was on a road trip from London up north, but I just had to make this detour and it was totally worth it.
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Re: Going Underground in Toronto
I've visited Toronto several times during winter. Some winter days are lovely and you want to be outside, but when the cold blows from the north, you're grateful to be able to walk the PATH. Have never seen the Christmas decorations, which are lovely. Thanks for sharing this, Kai!
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Re: March 19, 2018: Winter at Caraquet Wharf, New Brunswick
Brrrrr. I can feel that North Atlantic wind crossing over all that ice. It's a little hard to tell from the photos but I assume the boats are dry-docked fro the winter? Ice can be a very destructive force when it thaws.
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Re: May 10, 2017: Frozen Lake - Clear Creek County, Colorado
Most of these high altitude lakes remain frozen most of the year. While it's further north, I am very familiar with Lake Louise in the Alberta Rockies. While at only 5200 ft above sea level, it receives a heavy snow fall and the ice remains on the lake until well into June, returning in the early fall. Hiking in the area is really limited to June, July and early September (unless you hike slogging through snow and slush)
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Re: A Culinary Adventure in Portugal
Sagres and Superbock Beer are a Portuguese favourite. I always have a supply in the fridge. For drinks after dinner I prefer a Mateus Rose Wine. Strong in alcohol content - sparkling and not dry. Portugal has an all year warm climate as the prevailing winds come up from North Africa and the Sahara Desert.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #62
So, pretty far south...or pretty far north. Somewhere in Scandinavia perhaps? Are the windows perhaps on a cruise ship?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo (#38)
I'm tempted to suspect that it is in the north of England, perhaps near York. The trouble is that so much of the country outside the major cities would have been poor. The clue must be in "selling it's goods" which suggests that they had a manufacturing or production base already established. Or was that perhaps farming produce.... I do like the filigree cast iron roof supports - very "of the period". Oooh, this is a tough one.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 2nd, 2014: What is a "Folly"?
Seems most government buildings in North America, by this definition, are follys. The Broadway Tower and its overview from the hill are quite an eye pleaser, Garry. Nice photo and a good education on a folly. Thanks.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2014: American Golden Plover
That's fascinating! I never thought about the color differences during migration...what a difference it must be for, say, a North American birder in South America!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2014: American Golden Plover
Yes, Arctic birds are common in southern USA, Central and South America and further north during migration. But to see them in their beautiful breeding colours, you need to go to the Arctic in spring or early summer. This plover had already changed to grey by mid-August.
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Re: A Busy Weekend in Philadelphia
Philly really is a beautiful city. Its best feature is it's pedestrian friendly. I love the Architecture and the people there. The Football (soccer) stadium too. It has a slower feel compared to New York. No one rushing to get there - like they're late. I like the smaller stores closing at 5. Behind the counter those folks have got families to go home to. And in Philly the folks stop and talk when you need directions. Best and friendliest Airport north of Florida too. It's a shame that...