Filling Up at the Pump Stateside

I pulled into a gas service station between Burlington and Bellingham WA to make sure that I had enough gas to get me back to Vancouver. Unlike in the UK you can either pay at the pump or pre-pay inside. I always have problems using a card at the pumps over in America because it doesn’t seem to recognise my credit card as credit for … Continue reading Filling Up at the Pump Stateside

Washington Monument – Open Again!

September 19 2019 is the date that the iconic 555 ft high obelisk that is the Washington Monument will reopen to the public. Operated by the National Park Service tickets are issued on a first come first served basis from the Monument Lodge. Hours of operation are 09.00 – 17.00 daily except for 4 July and Christmas. If you book in advance it will cost $1.50 per … Continue reading Washington Monument – Open Again!

ESTA or ETA – DO IT YOURSELF

Currently I am looking for a new role and was contacted by a company to complete a competency test to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. I thought it pertinent to do some research before proceeding. I best not identify the company publicly but they have offices in the UK and in USA and offer visa service for almost all visa combinations between … Continue reading ESTA or ETA – DO IT YOURSELF

Calgary Stampede – The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Held every July for 10 days this enormous celebration of cowboys, horses, cattle and agriculture was hugely exciting and basically huge. It wasn’t as I imagined at all. I always assumed that the iconic Saddledome was where the rodeo takes place but in fact it was the venue for a show during Stampede. I was in possession of a two day thrill package which gave … Continue reading Calgary Stampede – The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Rocky Mountaineer – Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops

Rocky Mountaineer is a privately owned rail service that operates on three different routes. This journey is on First Passage to the West Eastbound from Vancouver to Banff. Important to note about Rocky Mountaineer and settle some misconceptions There are no overnights on the train – it is not a sleeper service The days are long and can be between 10.5 and 14 hours with … Continue reading Rocky Mountaineer – Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops

Seattle – Mariner’s Stadium Tour

I made a reservation online and decided that the 14.30 tour on 5 July was my preferred choice. Tickets cost $12.50 plus booking fee. I arrived at King St Station Seattle almost on schedule at 11.00. The surrounding streets were from an older period and there was an open air pedestrianised area called Occidental Square that was very lively. I wandered up towards Pike St … Continue reading Seattle – Mariner’s Stadium Tour

Mount Vernon & Cascades Amtrak

Judging by the surprise of the guard at the border Mount Vernon isn’t generally visited by tourists. It was a small town snuggled up along the banks of the Skagit River to one side and the Cascade Mountains to the other. The scenery is beautiful, amongst the farmland and back drop of the mountains. I planned to take it easy whilst there and apart from … Continue reading Mount Vernon & Cascades Amtrak

Grouse Mountain – Vancouver

A free shuttle leaves every 15 minutes from Canada Place to Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. Rising to 1,250 meters and only 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s playground. It offers the nearest skiing to the city and in the summer you can hike, zipline, tackle ropes etc. Take the Skyride to the top from the ticket booths. Grouse Mountain is part … Continue reading Grouse Mountain – Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge Vancouver

My decision to visit both Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain was made much easier with the lure of a free shuttle between Vancouver Canada Place and the attractions. Using modern and highly liveried vehicles they were easy to identify and board. You don’t need to have purchased a ticket in advance which was also good and both were equipped with lines to the ticket … Continue reading Capilano Suspension Bridge Vancouver