Happy Halloween

The entry to Tulloch Castle in Scotland, that they say is haunted.

Not true, but fun.

Mike McLellan at Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park, London

Here, at Speaker's Corner, the gathering crowd listens as Mike McLellan gives an address. He gave his email address. Just one in a long list of important addresses given in this spot over the centuries.

Banff, Alberta Canada - two views

 Banff from the hill road. No need to take the tram.

Along the river park at a bend in the river. Lovely.

     Banff is a beautiful, although expensive, place to visit. For us, it was a plane ride to Seattle and a change of planes to Calgary. There we rented a car and drove to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Simple and easy this is a lovely trip. Even in summer you will need warm clothing especially at the ice fields. 

     For us, this was the beginning of a loop that took us back to Waterton National Park, Canada then south to Glacier and then west to Flathead Lake before going north and back to Banff and Calgary. 

     Not everyone has three weeks to spare, but it was a great trip. We love Canada and Canadians.  One reminder, in he old days the border as wide open. Any identification would do. Now you need a passport. 

     Does anyone else think the name Banff needs one more vowel?

      

Loch Ness

     We have spent a good deal of time driving the roads of Scotland and enjoying the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, and plenty more. Yet, it was not until this summer that we took the time to go boating on Loch Ness. We were on a chartered research vessel that explores the typography and lore on the loch. It is an excellent way to see such a beautiful lake and the castles and houses surrounding it. I could easily move to Fort Augustus. This is a place where taking your time is worth it. In the bottom photo you can see my granddaughter peeking around the starboard side of the boat. Later on she was invited to drive it. 

South African Safari

Only the zebra at left cared enough to look at our Land Rover.

Barcelona, Spain

     This photo was taken with a long lens from the castle/fortification on top of one of the city's hills. Central is the Cathedral in its final stages of construction.
     Barcelona is a wonderful visit. It is a city with vibrancy and color. It has beautiful buildings and a great beach scene. The food is excellent and the whole idea of Tapas is lived well.
     Some people complain that there are a great many tourists and my usual comment is, "If you do not want to be surrounded by tourists, go to the Sahara or maybe the Congo." There are reasons why tourists go to pretty, safe and interesting places. There are reasons why they stay away from others.
     The trick for us is to learn to experience the city like a native and watch the tourists like we are not one of them.

Union Square, San Francisco

Getting ready for the annual winter ice rink.

One of my favorite landmarks.