M'off - an inspection of the north american colonies

[Greg Masters]

From Stanley Park in Vancouver to our most Eastern destination, we have crossed the continent.



Armed with Crown access tickets, we headed inside...



The staircase (190+ steps to the crown) is a double helix. I was a tight fit, but we made it to the top!





Now it's time to head home.

 

[Posh Pete]

Quite the trip Greg. Thanks for posting. There's a few possibilities musically and I'm tempted to go for Copland but this should do the trick ...

 

[Greg Masters]

Quite the trip Greg. Thanks for posting. There's a few possibilities musically and I'm tempted to go for Copland but this should do the trick ...

I have always revered the talent of Bernstein

 

[Greg Masters]

Just landed at Heathrow.

Down to earth now! There's 3 weeks of washing fermenting in our luggage; the lawns will need mowing and I have to be at Silverstone on Friday.

 

[Posh Pete]

I have always revered the talent of Bernstein

In that case, here's my second choice ...

 

[Greg Masters]

After just over 3 weeks away, a few reflections on our bucket-list trip…

• We flew the main legs in Air Canada’s Business Class. It’s not the best, but it’s far from bad. We booked the flights nearly a year ago. There are some great bargains to be had if you can organise your trip well in advance.
• The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the world’s greatest railway journeys. If you are doing it, pay the extra and go Goldleaf Class.
• Lake Louise is stunning beautiful, but, unless you want to ski in winter or hike in summer (minimum hiking group size is 4 due to risk of bear attacks), there is very little to do there.
• Banff is a great little town that is worthy of stopping off at.
• We much preferred Toronto to Vancouver. Much more to do and see.
• The Falls at Niagara are stunning. If you haven’t seen them in the flesh, go.
• Niagara Falls (the town) is a shit hole. Don’t even contemplate staying there!
• Crossing the border into the USA was one time when I was really pleased to have a UK passport.
• We stayed in the Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg, NYC. A lovely boutique hotel with very friendly and helpful staff. An easy walk to the cheap, excellent and frequent NYC ferries. Staying in Williamsburg or Dumbo wins over staying in Manhattan.
• Using the subway is easy and cheap too. Just tap in with a credit or debit card (no tapping out)
• Americans are very friendly, but Canadians are more friendly.
• If you want to go inside the Statue of Liberty, book tickets here at least 3 months in advance
• From Vancouver to Manhattan, the smell of ganja pervades across the continent

 

[Big Geordi]

Wow what a trip crackin pics and write up.