Australia was deeply involved in WW1 and a cluster of monuments in the Somme at Villiers Bretonneux highlights this: the soldiers are commemorated at the Australian National Memorial whilst the rebuilding of the nearby school was funded by the state of Victoria. The nearby battle of Le Hamel was a textbook success commandeered by an Australian general.
Continue readingCategory: Destinations
Alaska, USA (Summer 2025)
There are superlatives galore when it comes to Alaska: twice the size of Texas, it has America’s highest mountain, largest glacier and all three types of bear!
Continue readingExploring Southampton, Hampshire, UK. (October 2025)
If one were to think of an historic port city and a spa town of renown, Southampton would not be the first place to spring to mind. Heavily bombed in WWll, it isn’t pretty. However, it is now the cruise capital of the U.K. and we found some interesting historic corners to explore before we sailed to other climes.
Continue readingFairbanks & Chena Hot Springs, Alaska (August 2025)
Fairbanks is a pleasant supply town with a variety of museums but those of a hedonistic bent will want to head straight to Chena Hot Springs, an undulating 61 miles to the east.
Continue readingThe Homer Spit, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA (August 2025)
People may go to Homer but their real destination is usually the Homer Spit, a sandbank strip of restaurants and shopping, a busy marina and some pretty serious halibut fishing. Set amidst magnificent scenery, it is a place to kick back and enjoy the sea.
Continue readingFrom Hope to Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA (August 2025)
The season was drawing to an end in Alaska but we still had a bit of exploring to do on the Kenai Peninsula. World class fishing, huge glaciers, cosy towns, magnificent scenery and all easily accessible from Anchorage – the Alaska in miniature of which everyone dreams.
Continue readingThe Seward Highway from Anchorage to Whittier, Alaska, USA (August 2025)
A Cold War relic, Whittier is reached after a drive down the stunning Turnagain Arm. Watch for beluga whales, tidal bores and hanging glaciers – there is a surprising amount to do in a short distance
Continue readingThe Stirling Highway into the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA (August 2025)
A fisherman will go misty eyed when the Kenai Peninsula is mentioned. As well as world class sport fishing, it’s beautiful lakes and mountains draw the tourists whilst Kenai offers the delights of civilisation
Continue readingFrom Fairbanks to Valdez on the Richardson Highway, Alaska, USA (August 2025)
366 miles on the Richardson Highway from one end of Alaska to another has got to deliver some quirky sights – we discover nonstop Christmas in North Pole, military might and historic roadhouses and drive through glaciers to the charming waterfront town of Valdez which has weathered both earthquakes and oilspills.
Continue readingThe Alaska Highway – In Alaska! Alaska, USA (August 2025)
The Alaska Highway connects Dawson Creek (British Columbia, Canada) with Delta Junction in Alaska. Of it’s 1,390 mile length, only about 200 are actually in Alaska – we went on a short road trip!
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