Tim and Mark's adventures in America

Days 33 - 38: Boston

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:34:03 +0200

Tuesday 16th September: Happy Birthday to me! (thanks to all those who sent me messages btw, and two fingers up to those who didn't lol!)

As it was my birthday, We went to the Sam Adam's brewery in the morning. I was still a bit hungover from the previous day but several free samples later and I was feeling much better! Went to a pub for lunch afterwards, then went looking for the Boston Tea Party. Unfortunately they appear to have removed it for renovation which is a bit annoying. Walked back into the centre of Boston and chilled out on Boston Common for a bit. Went back to the hostel, then headed out for food about an hour or so later. Had to come back to the hostel afterwards as we were signed up for the free comedy evening at some local comedy club. Unfortunately the poster on the wall was misleading and we were supposed to be meeting at 8pm, not 7pm as we had read. So as we had an hour to kill, we went over there early for some more drinks. Eventually the rest of the hostellers turned up so we headed downstairs to watch the show. It was fairly good to be honest, not bad at all considering it was free! A couple of the guys were pretty terrible but the laughs gained elsewhere made up for it. Stopped off for another drink on the way back. All in all, not a bad birthday.

On Wednesday we went back over to Boston Common to do the Freedom Trail. For $12 we got an organised tour by some idiot dressed up as one of the early settlers. To be fair though, it was pretty informative and worth doing. The tour only took us halfway, so at the end (about two hours later) we went for lunch at one of the Cheers bars. This one was built a few years ago as an exact replica of the set used in the TV series. Went for another drink afterwards, this time at the Green Dragon Tavern, which was an important meeting place during the War of Independence. From there we ventured down to the Harpoon Brewery for more free sampling. I was very happy to have my first cask beer for about seven weeks! Afterwards we started back towards the hostel but stopped off on the way at the original Cheers bar. Took a couple of pictures outsider, then decided that it'd be rude to go all that way and not have a drink, so in we went. A couple of beers later we emerged and finally made it back to the hostel. Mark was a bit tired so decided to have a night in (the big girl!) So Simon and I went back to the pub we'd eaten in the previous night for pitcher and pizza night (buy a pitcher of beer and get a free pizza). After a couple of hours in there, we found another pub opposite the hostel that sold Sam Smith's Organic Cider. A decent cider, a decent size bottle, and best of all, served in a decent size glass (ie. a proper UK pint!) Suitably happy at our discovery, we headed home for some well earned rest.

Thursday was Simon's last day so we went over to the Science Museum. Very cool place, with loads of hands on activities again. Spent a good four to five hours in there looking around. The time seemed to go really quickly though, and we had to skip by a few things. Once Simon had taken off, we went for a big piggy lunch and afterwards, once suitably stuffed, we had a little walk around the shops. Went back to the hostel for a couple of hours, then went out for drinks. Somehow we managed to find a pub that was showing football, so we sat in there for watching. It was good to see a real sport for a change! A good few hours later we left the pub and turned in for the night.

On Friday we decided to finish off the Freedom Trail so we headed back over to Quincy Market. Before we started back on it though, we happened upon some street performers so we stood around watching their show. It was fairly entertaining, and seeing as they were British we decided to give them a small tip. Finally we started back on the Trail, and walked the remainder of it in the next couple of hours. Took a brief stop along the way to climb to the top of the Bunker Hill monument, and took some photos from the top looking out over the city. Walked back into town afterwards, and found a pub to get lunch in and watch a bit of the Ryder Cup. Afterwards, we started back to the hostel, although we stopped to have a look in one or two shops along the way. In the evening, we went out to watch Ghost Town (starring Ricky Gervais) at the cinema. Although it was kind of a romantic comedy, it was very funny. That was probably down to Gervais though. Went back to the hostel and messed around on the internet for a while, then went to bed.

Had a very lazy morning on Saturday. I slept in for most of it, and then we just sat about watching the football on our laptops. I think seeing the games on Thurs really whet our appetite and highlighted what we were missing most of all whilst out here! In the afternoon, we ventured into downtown Boston to do some shopping. Found that Macy's had a sale on so bought a few bargains in there. Went back to the hostel and bumped into a guy called Paul that we'd been talking to in Washington. Relaxed for an hour or so, then went out for drinks and food with Paul. Eventually turned in at about half 12.

Got up early on Sunday as we were going across town to a pub where we could watch Chelsea vs. Man Utd. Watched the game and had a great Irish breakfast (basically an English breakfast, but with black and white puddings as well). Decent game and decent food, it promised to be a good start to the day. Once it was over we took the metro over to Harvard University. Nothing much to see over there, I just wanted to take a couple of photos and say I've been to Harvard! Went back to the hostel to change into shorts, as it was a lot hotter (the rest of the time in Boston it was about 18c but it must have been 25c+ so jeans weren't such a good idea!) Walked over to Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox MLB team). Annoyingly the Red Sox were away for our entire time in Boston. Took a few pictures around the stadium, then walked back to the hostel again. By this time I was shattered. I don't think the early start really agreed with me! Had a nap for a few hours then got up and went out for food. Had a nice big steak and a couple of beers to wash it down. A good end to a great time spent here. Back to the hostel for an early night and to update this blog!! Off to New York in the morning for the last leg of our trip. Hope you're all missing us!

Tim

P.S. Some comments would be nice!!

Comments

Days 30 - 32: Washington D.C. to Boston

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:44:10 +0200

We signed up for a free walking tour in the morning, as we didn't really know our way round the city and it was also a good way to see the sights. However, this meant an early start. For the next four and a half hours, we traipsed around the city in the searing heat. We did get to see all the sights, which was good, it was just a shame that it was so incredibly hot. Went for food afterwards, then headed back to the hostel to chill out (literally!) In the evening we went over to the RFK Stadium to watch DC United vs FC Dallas in the MLS. A fairly good game, much better than the previous effort we'd sat through in Portland. Final score was 2-2. After the game we went to a sports bar (the ESPNzone) for food and drinks.

On Sunday we went over to Arlington National Cemetery. Unfortunately it was ridiculously hot again! Went into to visitor's centre when we got there and we both found someone buried there that shared our surname's. First off we went to find the guy that Gooch had selected. He was buried on the very far side of the cemetery, so we had to trek over a mile in the heat. I was not impressed. After that we saw some of the more famous sites, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the resting place of John F Kennedy. Went to find the guy I'd selected afterwards, who was also called T. Reader. Very strange. After the cemetery, once we were nice and sweaty, we went back over to where we'd had lunch the day before, then set out for the Holocaust Museum. Spent a good few hours there before going back to the hostel. Relaxed for a bit, then went out to the cinema to watch Burn After Reading. A very funny film, well worth seeing once it's out in the UK. Back to the hostel after for an early(ish) night.

We were off to Boston on Monday so just headed over to the airport to catch our flight. About an hour later we were finally there, and boarded our flight on time. Once we'd arrived in Boston, we went straight to the hostel to check in, then sat around waiting for my friend Simon to arrive. He was coming down for a few days to celebrate my birthday, which I thought was jolly nice of him. Went out for food and drinks in the evening; I got a little bit drunk I think it's fair to say. But it was technically my birthday from 7pm that evening so I didn't really care. Not sure what time we got back, all I know is I went straight to sleep.

Comments

Days 25 - 29: Orlando to Washington D.C.

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:17:42 +0200

On Monday we set out for Universal Studios. Spent the morning (and part of the afternoon) there going round the rides, then headed over to Islands of Adventure (the second Universal park) in the afternoon. Much better rides over there, although we ran out of time to see it all. In the evening we just hung out in our hotel room, as we used the same strategy from Tampa and just had huge lunches.

Tuesday morning we went to Seaworld, which was mainly a zoo for sealife but with a couple of rides as well. Watched a show there with the dolphins that was pretty awesome to be honest. In the afternoon we went to Aquatica, the water park run by Seaworld. Spent a few hours there, racing down all the slides and flumes. I won our last race, thus making me the reigning champion. Winner! Went to some outlet stores in the evening and found yet more bargains. Picked up some beers from the supermarket and headed home for the evening.

On Wednesday we ventured out to Wet 'n' Wild, another water park (this time owned by Universal). Not quite as good as Aquatica, although still some good rides. Our time there was cut short mid-afternoon, however, when a huge thunder storm rolled in. We were right at the far end of the wave pool when it hit so had to swim the length of that whilst being pelted with hail stones. Not fun. Once it had died down (about an hour or so later) we packed up and went to the other set of outlet stores, thus spending even more money. Found a brilliant shop that sold loads of different football shirts, so obviously we had to buy some!

Thursday was our last day in Orlando so we planned to do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure again. However due to our purchases from the previous two days, we had to visit the post office in order to send some stuff home. So about two hours later than originally planned, we set off for Universal. Did a couple of rides in the main park that we hadn't done previously, then went over to Islands of Adventure. Only managed two rides there before another thunderstorm set in. Not as bad as the previous day, although it was longer so kind of wrecked our afternoon. Grabbed some beers on the way back and crashed out for the night.

Had a slightly earlier start on Friday as we had to get to the airport. Made it there in plenty of time, grabbed some food and jumped on the flight. Arrived in Washington a couple of hours later, found our hostel and settled in. Went out for food in the evening, at what turned out to be a terrible restaurant. Went for a couple of beers afterwards, then headed in for the night.

Tim

Comments

Days 22 - 24: Tampa & Orlando

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:10:43 +0200

The overnight flight from San Francisco (via Washington) wasn't too bad, we weren't nearly as tired as we expected when we arrived in Tampa. After getting a taxi to our hotel, we started settling in. Until Gooch decided to use the toilet. I won't go into details, but somehow the toilet backed up and instead of flushing, it regurgitated the contents of the bowl. Lovely! So we changed to another room, which seemed to be fine. After sorting our stuff out, we headed out for Busch Gardens. The edge of the park was right opposite our hotel. However, the entrance was at the opposite end so we had to trek all the way down the road in the scorching sun, and then double back on ourselves once within the walls in order to go through the ticket gates. Bit annoying but manageable.

For the next three days we spent most of our time on the rides. When it got too hot, we went on one of the water rides to cool off, and we had huge lunches so that we didn't need to bother with much food in the evening. Best ride was Montu.

On the Sunday, we left the park early as we had to get a train to Orlando at 5.20pm. As we'd booked in advance, the train cost us $9 for a two hour ride. Bargain! Got to Orlando on time and checked in at our new hotel, at the edge of Universal Studios. Went out for food in the evening at Universal's Citywalk, then headed back for a well earned rest.

Tim

Comments

Days 19 – 21: San Fran & Alcatraz

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:46:49 +0200

After another lazy start, we ventured down to the local drug store to get some breakfast, which consisted of chocolate muffins and a bottle of OJ. We booked to go on a tour of the city, which started late morning. The tour guide had lived in San Fran all his life so he knew some good facts about the city. He started by taking us round the homeless and dodgy area of the city, where u can purchase cannabis very easily from some shops. We then headed towards an area called Mission, which is where all the Mexicano's live, then on to Castro, which is famous for its gays. We then took the climb up to Twin Peaks where you get an awesome view across the entire city. We were very lucky with the weather once again with blue skys, apparently for most of the summer San Fran is usually covered in thick fog. We then went to the hippie area called Haight Ashbury, where most of the walls are covered in very colourful paintings. We then drove through Golden Gate Park, which is similar to Central Park in New York in the way that its all man made, including the lakes in the park. Next we headed to the Military area in Presidio, which has mostly old military buildings that people rent. There is also a big cemetery in the area where soldiers who fought in WW1, WW2 and the Iraq war are buried. We then drove across the famous Golden Gate Bridge which was amazing. They paint the bridge all year round, the colour is called International Orange. Following this we headed up to Muir Woods, which is famous for really tall red wood trees. It was a cool place but not as good as Yosemite Park. Whilst on the trip we got chatting to a girl from Bristol. San Fran was her last stop before flying back to England. She'd been to New York, L.A & San Diego. It was her 1st day in San Fran so after the trip we ventured back down to Fishermans Wharf with her to show how cool it is down there. After a bit of chilling back at the hostel, me and Timmy went out for food and drinks.

We'd booked up to go to the Island of Alcatraz on Wednesday, which is most famous for its jail where USA's most dangerous criminals went until 1963. So another walk to Fishermans Wharf was in store. We ventured through China Town, where we came across loads of cheap t-shirts for sale. After about a 20min walk in sweltering heat, we arrived at Pier 33 for our departure to Alcatraz. We arrived on the island after a 15 minute boat trip and were welcomed by a midget on a stool. She had the most annoying American voice ever! She directed us up to the jail from the dock to collect our voice commentary headsets, which guided us round inside the jail. There was commentary from a few ex in-mates of Alcatraz, and a narrator talking you through what happened throughout the jail’s history. It took about 2 hours to go around the site. Following this, like most places, it guides you into a shop at the end of a tour. The shop had loads of replica items that the in-mates would use on a daily basis like, food bowls, clothing, books etc. There was an old guy in the shop that was an in-mate on Alcatraz. He was signing copies of his autobiography. Tim was stood there reading it for about 20 minutes in front of the guy but didn't buy it, the tight git! Following the amazing trip to Alcatraz we had lunch on Pier 39 on Fisherman's Wharf at Wipeout, a restaurant/bar. In the evening we headed back to the Irish pub for a few drinks again on our last night in San Fran.

Our flight to Tampa wasn’t leaving until 10.30pm on Thursday so we had a whole day to waste. I had some stuff to send home so we went to the Post Office, which was located at the very bottom of Macy’s, right in the corner. Such a stupid place for a Post Office. After that we had a look around the shops, then went to find a café to use the internet, as the hostel wifi had been down for the last two days. In the afternoon, we went to the cinema and watched Disaster Movie. It was awful. Worst film ever! Got some food afterwards then headed to the airport.

Mark

Comments

Days 16 - 18: San Fran, Oakland & Yosemite

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:04:40 +0200

Saturday morning we eventually surfaced at around 11ish after a good long sleep. Took a walk down to the waterfront, where we found a Farmer's Market was on. Spent a little while walking around there, and grabbed some breakfast, then continued walking along the waterfront past all the piers up to Pier 39, where all the shops and restaurants are. Had a little walk around, then Gooch heard what sounded like a Sea Lion. On further exploration, it turned out to be hundreds of Sea Lions, all in one little area next to Pier 39. Apparently they started turning up there after the 1988 earthquake, and most haven't left since! Walked back into town and caught the BART (metro service) over to Oakland as we were going to the Arts and Soul Fest there. Not that it was really our thing, but it just so happened that The Wombats were playing there so we thought we'd go check them out again as it was only $10 admission. The hiphop band on before were pretty terrible, but after a few technical issues The Wombats played a great set, probably better than the one in Portland. In the evening, we had dinner in a diner then went for a few drinks in a few bars.

On Sunday we had a fairly leisurely morning, then Mark heard a call in reception saying they had two free baseball tickets if anyone wanted them. Luckily he was first up, so that afternoon we went to watch Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins. Having never been to a baseball game before, I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a thoroughly one sided affair, as Oakland were well and truely beaten 12-4. My first impressions of baseball are that it's interesting from time to time, but it does get fairly boring for long periods. That evening we went to a place that claimed to be 'famous' for steaks. We weren't particularly impressed though. Maybe they're famous for being bad? Grabbed some Ben & Jerry's afterwards and headed back to the hostel for an early night.

On Monday we had to be up bright and early (5.15am!!) as we were going to Yosemite National Park for the day. We had been told that we would be picked up sometime between 6am and 7am. Annoyingly we weren't picked up until well after 6.30am so we could have had a bit longer in bed. I certainly needed it; I slept most of the way to Yosemite, until the tour guide's bad driving woke me up as he consistently hit every curb when going round the bends up one of the
hills. Arrived in Yosemite to beautiful mountainous scenery all around us. Saw all the best sights and took loads of pictures (they should be up on facebook soon). Unfortunately the two main waterfalls (Bridal Veil Fall and Yosemite Falls) were dried up, but that didn't really detract from the beautiful views on offer. Had lunch, bought some souvenirs, then started to head back towards San Francisco. Stopped off at a Giant Sequoia grove on the way back and had a little hike through the forest there, taking more pictures along the way. Arrived back in San Francisco at about 9pm after a long day, so chilled out for a bit then went to bed.

Tim

Comments

Days 12 - 15: Oregon to San Francisco

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:59:53 +0200

Another lazy morning (I think we specialise in those!) before heading up to Mount Hood. First stop was Timberline Lodge; a big log cabin up the mountain where skiiers can stay, and where you can hold special events eg. weddings. Had a little look around, got a beer (well James and I did anyway) and went outside to get a look at the view. On the way back down, we stopped off at the alpine slides. However, James and I were the only ones interested in having a go (I think the rest were scared, especially Mark). Went down about four or five times then we left to go grab some food. Stopped at a place called Calamity Jane's and had massive burgers and milkshakes. Had a good laugh at Drew when he got fooled with a christmas cracker style joke. In the evening, we took a trip to some casino's over in Washington state. Brandon won a $50 petrol card and another of Drew's friends won $150 on some poker game. The rest of us weren't successful.

On Wednesday we went white water rafting in eastern Oregon. It was probably the best day of the trip so far, such a good laugh. Highlights were, in no particular order, James nearly falling out on one of the small rapids at the start (the look of panic on his face before he got pulled back in was priceless), Gooch hitting Drew with a paddle (he claims it was an accident), Scott's brilliantly funny guide talks, Drew practically crying every time we went near a rapid, the water fight with another raft (they got our crisps wet!!) and James getting in the water as he needed the toilet and then struggling to get back in the raft! It took two people to eventually get him in, just before we hit another rapid. All in all, a good day. Played halo in the evening, nothing major to report other than Drew was unusually quiet and uncompetitive.

Thursday morning we did nothing again, before heading into Portland early afternoon. Had a little walk around and got some food, then headed over to the Doug Fir Lounge to watch The Wombats for $11. James and I had several beers beforehand, which prompted him into doing a terrible scouse accent in front of the band. Idiot. Brilliant show nonetheless, plus got a t-shirt afterwards for $20 (about half the price it was at IOW Festival in the summer). Went to McMenamin's in the evening for pool and darts.

Friday was our final day in Oregon and as such we did practically nothing all day! Drew took James to the airport, then we went into Boring to post some things and take pictures of the Boring signs. Got dropped off at the airport around 6ish and flew down to San Francisco at about 8.30. Found our hostel easily enough, went for a couple of drinks in an Irish pub (Mark was happy as they had Magners on tap) then went to bed.

Tim

Comments

Days 9, 10 & 11: Corvallis & Newport

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:42:12 +0200

Woke up on Saturday to the realisation that we unfortunately had to go and get James from the airport. We weren't happy. We were even less happy when we had to wait over an hour for the idiot to get through customs. Our moods did improve however when he told us that his suitcase had been lost!

The plan for the day was to go down to Drew's university (Oregon State University) in Corvallis, however we first stopped off at a huge outlet retail park on the way down. Grabbed some lunch then proceeded to take advantage of the ridiculously cheap prices on offer. After spending hours there, we continued down into Corvallis and parked up at Drew's house. Met his housemates Scott and Adam, drank some beer and had home-made pizzas. Then went off into town and had a mini pub crawl. James was pretty tired from his flights so didn't drink as he normally would. The last stop was a Mexican place that had karaoke on. Scott wanted to sing, but was too late. Headed back to the house and crashed out.

Sunday, we spent most of the day doing nothing. Drew took us to have a look around his uni, and we got a chance to play a bit of football. Went to a Mexican fast food restaurant for lunch, then went back to the house to wait for Adam and his girlfriend to be ready. Eventually we left for Adam's beach house at about 4pm. The closer we got to the coast, the wetter it seemed to get until the rain was pretty much torrential. Stopped at a shop to grab supplies for the night, then settled in for the evening. The rain did stop for a little bit, so we walked down to the cliffs to look out over the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately James didn't fall in. Went back to the house and continued to play Super Smash Bros on the Wii. It's surprising how competitive Drew was considering it's a game for kids! Watched Balls of Fury (during which James and Mark fell asleep, with Mark snoring loudly in the corner) then went to bed.

The weather was much nicer on Monday. The rain had cleared and the sun was out. Had a leisurely breakfast and repacked the car, then headed for the beach. Played football for a little while, then went for a little paddle in the water. We were warned that the water was going very cold. It wasn't. I've been swimming in far colder water at Bournemouth! Stopped at a brewery for lunch. The beer was good, and the waitress gave James and I back $10 more change than we should have had so we were quite happy with that. Stopped off in Corvallis to collect the rest of our outlet purchases then headed back to Boring, with Scott and Adam joining us. Dropped Adam off at his parents place, and arrived back at Drew's by 8ish. After dinner, myself, Mark and James went to the pub, with Mark driving. Only stayed for one, then went back and fell asleep.

Tim

Comments

Days 6, 7 & 8: Boring, Oregon

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:23:03 +0200

Wednesday was a pretty uneventful day. The weather was pretty rubbish so we didn't do a lot. Went to a small outlet mall around midday where we picked up a couple of cheap t-shirts, and Goochie got himself a pair of Levis for about £16. In the afternoon, we met up with Brandon and went to see Tropic Thunder, a comedy film starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. It has to be one of the funniest films I've ever seen. I definately recommend people go and see it when it hits UK screens next month. In the evening, we went to a pub called McMenamin's and played darts all night. I sucked! Gooch did rather well tho.

On Thursday we had another lazy morning and then headed down into Portland to visit OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). It was a pretty cool place with loads of interactive stuff, although the dinosaur exhibition has to be the worst I have ever seen. It was truely shocking! In the evening we got to see another side of Drew....the ultra competitive side. We went round to Brandon's to play Halo 3 with a group of Drew's mates, and found out that Drew hates to lose, especially at Halo. Myself and Mark were pretty terrible, although apparently we did quite well considering it was our first times playing. Was a pretty late night by the time we finished, I think I'd given up by this point.

On Friday we went took the MAX (the local light rail network) to downtown Portland for the day. Got off at Pioneer Square, where there was some Italian food festival going on. Watched a grape crushing contest then left. We took a look at the waterfront where there was a Christian music festival going on. Normally that wouldn't be my idea of fun, but there was an extreme sports demo area so we went and checked that out. The skateboarders were pretty awful and kept falling off (which kind of gives entertainment in a different way) but the BMXers and Motocross riders were quality. Unfortunately the entertainment was cut short by a preacher, and after listening to him drone on for about 45 mins, we snuck out. Burger for lunch at a brewery, although due to dehydration from the heat I didn't fancy a beer. Afterwards we did a bit of shopping and went to pick up some Portland Timbers merchandise, before heading home. In the evening, Brandon's parents took us out for Mexican food (which I enjoyed) and then we went bowling. I am happy to say that I won the only completed game, and Mr Gooch came second, thus giving Team GB a one-two. Drew was leading in the second game, however we ran out of time before we finished so the result didn't stand. He didn't like that. As I said before, he's a bad loser.

Tim

Comments

Days 3, 4 & 5 - Seattle

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:06 +0200

After an early start and a 3 hour journey from Drew's house in his mums Pontiac, we made it to the picturesque city of Seattle. Upon arriving we met up with Drew's girlfriend Torii, she goes to uni in Seattle.

After having a sarnie and a jamba juice for lunch we headed to downtown Seattle to see the sites. As we are tourists we thought the best way to see the city would be via a bus trip, this tour was different tho, it was an amphibious bus meaning we could travel via land and water. We had to wait 4 hours before we could go so we went and had a look around the shops, after a couple of hours we went and hit a bar. The beer sucks in america and there's no cider at all! The wait was over and we finally got to ride on Duck tour, after travelling through the streets of Seattle we hit the harbour of Seattle during which we saw where Sleepless in Seattle was shot. The tour was pretty cheesy with rubbish jokes and music along the way, but it was all good fun.

The next day was wet and cold so we headed to the famous Pike's Market which was all under cover so we didn't get wet. They sold loads fresh local produce like fish, flowers, fruit and veg. The fish market was quality, the guys who worked there kept everyone entertained throwing the fish around and singing at the same time. We visted the 1st ever Starbucks shop, it didn't look that different from any normal starbucks, but it did still have all the orignal signs outside. For lunch we headed to the Pike Street Brewery in the heart of the market, Tim tested the Kilt lifter Scotch style ale, i'm not a fan of ale so i gave it a miss. He said it was very good tho. In the afternoon we went on a tour of Seattle's underground city, which was very interesting with loads of facts about the history of how Seattle was built. They had big problem with the sewage system, lucky enough some english guy by the name of Thomas Crapper helped them out. In the evening Torii cooked us spag bog, which was excellent.

The following day the weather was alot better, so we went up Space Neddle, which is a tower built for the world fair in 1962. We went up to the observation deck at 520ft. The views across Seattle were stunning on such a clear day. For lunch we heading down to the waterfront to Red Robins, its a well known burger resturant. After this we started our way back to Oregon but on the way we stopped at a Flight museum on the edge of Seattle. It had loads of really cool old planes like concorde, air force one and a massive boeing 747. Inside the museum there were sections on WW1 and WW2 planes. It also had a section on the history of space flight. After a few hours we headed back to Oregon, but the weather turned on us very quickly, Drew did a good job to keep the car on the road from what i hear, i was alseep by this point. We made it back fine but very tired, so we called for a pizza, it was mahussive.

Mark

Comments

Days 1 & 2: Arriving in the USA

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:11:30 +0200

We're here! Despite the terrible weather in New York, we finally made it to Portland in the early hours of Saturday morning. My flight down from Toronto was delayed by about 2-3 hours due to the thunderstorms over New York, but luckily my connecting flight to Portland was also delayed by the same storms. Mark's luck was no better either. His outbound flight from the UK was delayed by about 1 1/2 hours and then he was stuck at JFK for over 6 hours waiting for the storms to subside. I think in total he had been up for about 30 hours when he finally arrived in Portland! Luckily all was fine tho, despite the delays, and we arrived and met Drew at the airport within minutes of each other.

The next day we took a trip up to the Columbia River gorge and the selection of waterfalls along the valley. Starting at Latourell Falls, we also saw Bridal Veil falls, Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls, which was the biggest of the lot. It was an incredibly hot day, about 40c! After that, we were very sweaty so we went for a swim at Drew's girlfriends house.

In the evening, we met a friend of Drew's called Brandon and went to watch the 'soccer' match in town, Portland Timbers vs Montreal Impact. Portland won 2-1 on a terrible looking, artificial pitch. Highlight of the match was the Portland Timbers mascot, Timber Joe, wielding his chainsaw at any opportunity to get the crowd going. After the game, we headed back to Brandon's for food, then went back to Drew's to rest up before heading to Seattle in the morning.

Tim

Comments

Welcome

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:13:06 +0200

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the new blog, set up especially for my trip around the USA with my good friend Mark Gooch. Hopefully I will keep this updated a little more frequently than I did the last time I was away. Incidentally, the old blog (the address for which is http://smackingbeavers.blogspot.com) will also be running whilst I am away, as I shall be visiting Canada without Goochie. So that's the place to check for my Canadian updates, and this is where you shall find all the stories from our travels around the good ol' US of A. And for those of you who aren't aware, James Channon has decided to tag along for a week of our trip so there'll no doubt be a few stories of his drunken antics, as well as many pictures of him falling on the floor. I hope you enjoy

Tim

P.S. I can't do anything about the stupid ads, I'm afraid that you'll all just have to put up with them

Comments