Category: North West Passage

21-Oct-24 Nottinghamshire, UK It’s been nearly four weeks since returning home from an epic and amazing trip. Not had time to fully unpack yet due to various commitments since landing. Such is life back in reality. So. You will be very pleased to hear, dear reader, that this is the final blog post of the… Read more

25-Sept-24 Boston, Massachusetts Always wanted to go to Harvard since a family friend studied there in the 1970s. And today, can finally say ‘I’ve been to Harvard’. Well. OK. I walked through its campus. No actual study was done. But have watched Suits. Does that qualify me for law school? Not quite what I was… Read more

24-Sept-24 Boston, Massachusetts Looking through the photos I took of my time in Falmouth in September 2007, realise I stayed in the same room now. No wonder it felt familiar. As in September 2007, brunch is at Betsy’s Diner. Back then I was served by a young girl dolled up in 1950s style dress. Black… Read more

23-Sept-24 Falmouth, Cape Cod The last time I was in Falmouth I promised myself I would make the trip across the water to Martha’s Vineyard. A short 45 minute crossing on a knackered old car ferry.  The sort the rich and famous who live on Martha’s Vineyard would avoid. No doubt they use private jets… Read more

22-Sept-24 Falmouth, Massachusetts Heavy rain all weekend whilst in Newport, Rhode Island. But didn’t dampen spirits when you have magnificent houses to wander around. On arrival Friday afternoon. Rain had subsided a little. So a little wander into town. Not had a haircut since Vancouver so could do with a trim. Barbers is about half… Read more

21-Sept-24 Newport, Rhode Island Dear reader. You’ve now seen Rough Point, Marble House and The Elms. What did you think? Pretty impressive and opulent aren’t they. Well. They were just the amuse bouche. For the Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks combined. This house was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the richest men in… Read more

21-Sept-24 Newport, Rhode Island You’ve now seen Rough Point and Marble House. So something a little bit more subdued in comparison, dear reader. You can read all about it here…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elms_(Newport,_Rhode_Island) The Elms The Elms Main Entrance Study The Elms Drawing Room Conservatory Conservatory The Elms The Elms The Elms The Elms The Elms The Elms… Read more

20-Sept-24 Newport, Rhode Island Having toured Rough Point, we now move on to the Marble House. Another Vanderbilt built house. This time as a birthday present to his wife. Most blokes buy jewellery. But wait until you see this present! You can read all about it here, dear reader…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marble_House Marble House Dining Room Drawing Room… Read more

20-Sept-24 Newport, Rhode Island Dear reader. Today and tomorrow’s blog is in four parts. For reasons which will become obvious. Too many photos for one blog post. Having woken to heavy rain in Portsmouth there’s no sitting outside admiring a sea view. The closest thing to a sea view is the Blue Peter-esque ship formed… Read more

19-Sept-24 Portsmouth, New Hampshire Massive fog bank a few hundreds yards out to sea as I open the curtains and test the air on balcony overlooking the harbour. Another dismal view from a hotel room. Ahem. Spontaneous booking of a hotel for tonight whilst still lazing in bed. The half hour before physically getting out… Read more