Uncategorized Archives - Page 125 of 139

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Punting in Cambridge

A Punt is a flat bottomed boat without a keel and is propelled by means of a long pole. These were introduced as a pleasure craft in Edwardian times. Now they serve as a means to view the famous bridges and colleges along the River Cam.

The Punts at Scudmore’s. F.Scudmore founded his business in 1910 and today has the largest fleet of Punts, nearly 150.

Punts today are 6 to 7 meters long and 1 to 2 meters wide. The pole is 5 meters long.

One of Cambridge’s bridges in the background. More on those in a later blog.

Before railways much of England’s trade relied upon rivers as roads became mudpits after rains. Transport by Punts was slow by very economical. A punter can push well over a ton along with no more fuel than a few cheese sandwiches and a pint of Guinness…or so the story goes.

Of course the locals like to race…

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Walking Around Cambridge, England

Cambridge is celebrating 800 years.

We spent time walking around and enjoying all aspects of the city. Of course you nourishment is needed at times.

The street market was full of flowers and plants.

This Pasty Shop provided great cappuccino and croissants.

As you might expect, bikes are the preferred mode of transportation.

Streets are narrow, buses pass right next to you on the sidewalks, and bike co-exist with all of it.

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Churches and Colleges in Cambridge

Churches and Colleges are everywhere in Cambridge, England. Here are a few to check out.

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Cambridge, England

Cambridge Beer Festival food

Menu at the 36th Cambridge Beer Festival

On the way to the Beer Festival

Of course the mail is Royal Mail…what else would it be?

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Random Photos from Cambridge, England

One of the bridges over the River Cam

One of the Pubs

Rick and Jackie

Bikes are everywhere

There are 31 colleges or universities and most have churches with them.

Posted on May 16, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Lunch Before We Go

What do you do when it’s 100 degrees and you should be packing for England?
Go to lunch at The Terraces.

Not just any lunch…and not just any place.

This is a special lunch in the vineyard.

Great wines…

Lots of great wines…more on the food after we get back.

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Questions to Ponder

Did you know?

* American Airlines saved $40,000 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class.

* The abbreviation ORD for Chicago’s O’Hare airport comes from the old name ‘Orchard Field’.

* KLM is the world’s oldest airline and was established in 1919.

You’ll have to wait until May 27 for my next entry. I’m going across the pond to visit our son and daughter-in-law in Cambridge, England. I’ll tell the Queen “hello”.

Cheerio…

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Random Photos from The Terraces Winery

Where the Balsamic Vinegar barrels are kept

California Poppies

Old door

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Wendy VanHatten

Road Trips

Did you know 42% of Americans do plan a leisure trip this summer? If you’re one of those and want to save a few dollars on that trip, check out these tips.

Keep an eye out for Welcome Centers or Visitor Centers. They are an excellent source for coupons.

Check the Internet before you leave home. Many motels and hotels are offering discounts this summer. Super 8 Motels will take 15% off if you book eight days in advance.

Pack a cooler. Buying food, soda, and snacks on the road can really add up. Check out http://www.roadtripamerica.com/recipes/recipes.htm. Find all sorts of good road trip snacks including delicious sounding blackberry rice krispies.

Remember you can haggle. If the hotel parking lot is empty or the place seems vacant, feel free to ask about a special deal.

If you plan to visit multiple National Parks, check out the annual pass. It’s around $80 for general and $10 for seniors. Go to http://www.store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html.

Do you belong to a club? Everything from soccer clubs to professional organizations may qualify for travel discounts at various hotels and tourist spots. See if you qualify.