flashman181

Would be nice eh. Devoted followers and even casual stalkers would know that next year to celebrate still being on the airy side of dirt after 60 yrs we were going on a slightly longer than 3 hr cruise on Queen Elizabeth. The big boat, not the monarch. It was a snappish decision but I was rather chuffed with the clarity that the decision had been based on because as that magic big number approached I had noticed a certain dithering in my deliberations of late. In fact

Then Seattlandia came and passed and more focus came upon “Da Cruise” . It was surprisingly difficult to get a one way fare to San Francisco. I started reading some daily blogs on what they do on “day at sea” to fill in time. It seems mostly crochet something or attend lectures on how to crochet something. One could say well we would just grab a beer and sit on the deck and let our troubles, and US$, float away. They dont miss ya for the drinks trust me. Now the cruise was already on the expensive side and was now coming to terms with many of the hidden costs and then add in shore excursions and the number was growing. Perhaps the final rivet in the coffin was the news that QE was being refitted in May to squeeze in more cabins and relocate the Chart room to a dinghy tied to the stern. Its a sign of the times – even reading the Qantas A380s will do away with the grand staircase to squeeze in another 30 seats or so. We were never Cruise geeks but thought Cunard gave us a chance to escape the Fairstar crowd. It likely still does but maybe the gap is narrowing while the prices rise. When I realised that I had been following the refit of Queen Victoria and its current cruise with fervour for a couple of weeks I knew my heart wasnt in it – given we were sailing on the QE and I had forgotten! So the dream was

The reality was

So what to do then? Time for some caution as our deposit on the cruise had now sunk without trace and would likely do some money on our insurance cover which I have to say – T&Cs not withstanding – seems a bit rich when holiday is 10 months away! So it took at least an hour to come up with the possible scenarios

1. Europe – Ireland to be specific. Always appealed and does suit as a couples destination with driving and B&Bs involved – and someone to do the laundary. If only they liked a drink now and again. Pick up some money as a new character in Games of Thrones – Season 9 – The Mountain Meets His Match. Could drop into Doha on way through and see the over achiever Ferguson brother on the way and also see London. It will have been 10 yrs since been to UK. Its February so not ideal weather but a bit hard to get Mum to change my birthdate now. Travel between UK and Ireland seems easy and who knows may still get to sit on Queen Elizabeth. The flights are less fun as longer and also less chance of a PE on Qantas – although not impossible. BC on Emirates is a bit expensive although mixed fares are possible. All things are possible of course depending on budget. Mind you could probably get a few BC seats and still come out ahead of da cruise budget.

2. USA – New Orleans appeals as a couples destination as does Charleston. The places want to visit are a fair distance apart and once again likely involve car hire. May dip into Florida and see some great Golf Courses along the way and smack a few alligators around – you know the poor man’s crocodile. Pussies. Fly into San Fran first or maybe Dallas. Some internal flights involved. Research would likely highlight some great places to see along the way but at present they aint jumping off the page. Driving down California coast is off the roster due to damage around Big Sur etc. USA is an easier place to visit solo of course but not when driving may be involved. If I was 66 then it would be a cinch – Route 66 across the country. Done. I think Route 60 is in Bumfuck, Idaho and I aint going to no Trump compound even if they have great potatoes.

3. Tiaro – At least it gets plenty of rain having no Dome

To be fair 3 is unlikely. If I had to pick a number now

However we will get together this weekend at Flashman INC HQ, Sunshine Coast and investigate further. Maybe there is a fourth option. I hope not 🙂 Donated too many brain cells in Seattlandia to deal with that

Watch this space

Although to be fair you will get more info if you actually read the next blog and stop staring at a blank space. Common sense really when you think about it

You know you have been gagging for it. Well, as the Bishop said to the actress, you can stop gagging now

Best Flight

Any that land safely and at the right airport. To be fair the seat back in PE was best seat but leaving at midnight is all wrong. Especially when sick as a dog. The flight over is the right time, settle in at 11:30 am and have lunch at normal time and a beer and then a short nap. Later on you have breakfast as a late dinner and arrive before you left. You cant beat that. Alaskan is a reliable airline and perfectly acceptable and efficient for cattle class. As in all flights I wont be happy until someone pulls up a passenger walking on with 3 oversize suitcases and says “Hey shit for brains didnt you read the rules (sorry guidelines!) for carry on luggage. Get your fat ass and all that crap off my plane!” Yep never happen

Best Lounge

Bigger is better and you cant beat LAX especially if you get in early and grab a shower. Its crowded maybe but can always find a seat. Brisbane is ok but nothing special and lounges usually not at their best in mid morning anyway. The Alaskan Lounge at LAX was a pleasant surprise, the same at Sea-TAC rather disappointing especially when numb nuts here paid $60 for an apple and some yank wine.

Worst Airport to Land at in USA Ever

LAX remains a nightmare to transit. Yeah its troubling times, by all means be thorough but the signage and people on the ground are lacking and it can be confusing even for non first timers. Whatever you may read allow at least 2 hrs for any connection and maybe a Xanax

Best Train Experience

Only had one so the winner is……. wait for it…….Amtrak Cascades. It leaves on time, the BC seat is comfortable and solo, and the cafe car ok for what it is – avoid the coffee of course. It was a slow trip though as constant stoppages with freight trains. Nice scenery

Best Accomodation

Both were good in their own way but as said in other media commitments would be unlikely to do the B&B route again as a solo. Its fine when travelling with CLP as she Loves On Laundary (LOL!) and you can eat out more at night . The apartment in Portland was perfect in all aspects including location

Best Public Transport

Portland wins as the three forms available blend in well and has a great smart phone app. Seattle Orca card is less efficient (both cost and usage) and seem to be catching buses more (with attending GU)rather than streetcars in Portland. All cities need a smartphone app , simple as that. Portland additionally is an easier city to walk

Best Beer Tour

Melbourne Cup Field with no real losers. How a tour goes depends a lot on numbers in the group. The Road Dog tour in Seattle could have been great with a few more rugged individuals on board but lacked a lot as a solo adventure – not withstanding certainly appreciate tour still going ahead. Tour de Funk was a crowded tour on a bus that worked out very well. What I remember of it anyway

Winner: Walking Tour of Pearl District. Walking tours are best. Small group ( as in 3) and first time had to listen to how beer was made! But not the last…. And hey if u r doing a quiz about what we learnt about beer maybe not at the end of 2 tours:)

Honourable Mention: Brewcycle. Totally unique and fun thing to do. Service at some bars a bit slow but we did do “dive bar ” route.

Best Beer

If the Melbourne Cup joined up with the Caulfield Cup, Kentucky Derby and Birdsville Races…..

At end of day comes down to a tie between Mannys Pale Ale in Seattle and Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA in Portland. And this one I had on last night in Seattle in Coastal Kitchen, whatever it was

Worst Tour Ever

Beyond Bizarre in Portland. On a Sunday night. At midnight. To be fair I got sucked in with the Brewcycle crew and the 4 hrs between end of that and start of this was great. Then the pain started. And I was sober by then

Best Food

Not really fair an any city to rate this as not part of my portfolio but have to say the Gourmet Foodie walking tour in Seattle had a superb range – with a dull group of people who probably would have loved the Beyond Boring Ghosty thing if they could have fitted all of their walking frames on the footpath . Orfeos, Serious Pie, Steelhead Diner, Cutters Crabhouse…..

Best Segway

Small field, own fault, poor weather yada yada yada. No Segways are bad although getting wet in Seattle was not pleasant. The Segway up down and across Willamette River in Portland was great simply because I would not have seen this any other way

Saddest Touristy Moment

Asking someone to shift in seat so could take this photo. In fact the search for the “houseboat” was rather sad too

Best Sighting of Flashman Impersonator

Best Sign

And there were plenty

Best Coffee

To be fair it is getting better and much like anything it is what and how you order. The Cortado was a safe bet always but had a surprisingly good capuccino at Cafe Laddro

Worst Coffee

A clear winner. The horror that was Cafe Argento near Lather Daddy Laundromat Seattle which on reflection – those two facts may be related!

Most Iconic Memory

Biggest Erection

To be fair, not all photos are admissible so lets finish on a high

Health Meter 3/10

With tissues and cough lollies at the ready one approaches the 36 hrs from hell. As said in previous media commitments would not do a big trip like this again for all only 2 weeks but as it turns out works out well to be back when I am. Whether it is two weeks or two months the final day always comes around , just a pity I am at my sickest . At least last year I was on the improve by now. The Segway in the rain killed me off. And a few low flying ducks. No way one should complain too much about Premium Economy but to be fair the champers is luke warm 😏 The trick is not to get as full as a state school hat rack in the Lounge before hand, as tempting as it is . I will be looking for the complimentary inhaler. But first finished off with a lovely walk in Volunteer Park late yesterday . And a beer ….

First flight is not until 14:50 from Sea – TAC so will stay on site until 11 am and then Uber out and start the process. Also have a 6 hr layover in LAX which seemed like a good idea at the time. Will have a leisurely breakfast and even a walk down to 15 th avenue for a coffee around 10 to fill in the morning , weather permitting. Don’t need wet clothes at this stage !

So a summary of sorts . Both cities pretty much as expected and no point complaining about weather because you are well advised about it. Only complaint is usual one – the weather forecasters are incompetent and rather than admit just make their forecasts more vague. With weather like this accuracy would be very handy

Portland is a very laid back place and easy walking. Accomodation was perfect in an ideal location. Is the type of place you walk around and drop into the corner Pub on your way and feel comfortable. Didn’t do the surrounding nature any justice on this trip but would add to the attractiveness of the area significantly. Public transport is great and lack of sales tax a surprising bonus in many ways . The three food groups – beer, coffee and pub snacks – are well catered for . Both cities have homeless problems and also areas to avoid after dark.

Seattle is much more an iconic city and reminds one of San Fran in many ways. Weather impacts much more on activities here as really stands out on a clear day. Much bigger Sports city team wise and supporter wise . Once again didn’t do the natural beauties nearby any justice . Less of an easy walk with so many hills but once again excellent transport system although not as good as Portland without a smartphone app. Odd given the number of big companies in the area . The B&B option was something different but wouldn’t do again. It’s a stunning mansion in a lovely area but as a solo visitor the group breakfast does not appeal and limitation of one room eg watching TV from bed are noticeable . The laundary options also stand out! And of course in Seattle we are back to sales tax so $3.50 always becomes $3.87.

Won’t be any more solo visits for a little while so plenty of time to plan. Now for that last coffee. The man in the hat did it

Health Meter 2/10

It’s a miserable day all round so may as well head out to Airport a bit early and hook into “free” Lounge . Note “” for later reference . The Uber drive knew the speed limit and wasn’t going to let it win trust me despite the wet roads and constant rain. We made it in good time and check in was relatively smooth, bags checked through but need to get new boarding pass in LAX. Missed the pat down sadly despite having lots of tissues packed in strange places. Oh well. Front up to Lounge with a mere 3 hrs to spare with Plan A firmly in place .

Say what ? ” Sorry Sir we only have an arrangement with Qantas at LAX” Bloody Trump! ” You can get a day pass for $40″ “Don’t suppose that is in AUD”? If I wasn’t so sick would have passed on it and mixed with GU but really need a corner to sit by myself and meditate. And cough and sniffle. So hooked in . Mind you last time I spent $40 for 3 hrs I only lasted 3 mins. Ya with me 🤓 In the BRW review of Airport Lounges Alaskan @ SeaTACwould not get a Guernsey . Let’s hope rest of day picks up . They do serve beer though

Health Meter 3/5 ! A festivus miracle

Better pace one self , cattle class ahead . Small glass of Chardy and some seal fat cheese. Oops, wine causes coughing . Noted

Health Meter 2/5. ( Beer at LAX a mere 6 hrs away……)

The Alaskan flight was fine for what it was – on time but crowded but health dropped to 1.5 with ear pain during descent and a 5 klm walk to TBIT for Qantas. It’s a crazy system when you can’t check into Qantas until you get here because originating flight is not Qantas! Anyway no more security check and fronted to Qantas One World Club saying I don’t have a boarding pass yet but bag checked through. ” No worries cobber she’ll be sweet I can check you in, My name is Shazza. ” I could almost feel the sun on my back . Time for some food and then settle in for long wait as plane already leaving 30 mins late . Bloody Trump.

Maybe just one beer ? Adios Amigos until the next time . I got a bloody wall to build .

Apparently .

12 months ago in Boston I remember feeling a similar malaise with constant cough especially at night. At least there I could soak up some sun during the day . Ain’t going to happen here . Simply been caught out in the rain and chill one time too often and then factor in the usual annoying central heating deal with USA where you sweat and chill on cycle through the night and you have one sick boy. Not a massive issue while still here but have the 36 hrs of hell approaching rapidly with airport check ins, waiting around, 2 flights across the ocean and then a drive home. It’s going to be a hard last leg when can’t sleep on a plane and will likely be coughing all night. Weather looks a little better today but no dancing in the street anytime soon as not as if sun is coming out. Despite that bloody teasing icon

So headed off for a walk in general direction of downtown and ended up at Century Link Field 90 mins later – check Google that’s impressive . Along the way some fun signs and also stopped into Starbucks Roastery – yeah I laughed too but actually quite impressive

By now the sun was trying to come out as next to Smith Tower seemed worth the $14 . By the time the old guy got the elevator up there the earth had rotated around the sun 3 times ! Good views of course .

I was down near Pioneer Square so had a squiz and a walk along the esplanade . Had a fine coffee at Slate Roasters but ordinary fish and chips at Ivars. Knew I should have gone to the Irish pub! What was I thinking #sickerthanthought

Bit Shaggus O’Murphy by now so caught the bus home for a couple of hours of rest and a quick FaceTime with CLP. She thought I looked not only sicker but also uglier than she recalled . It’s a lovley afternoon now – never doubted it – so will head out for a walk to Volunteer Park and see if any of my brethren around doing bunkers and then that one last beer in Seattle. Unless of course can sneak into Alaskan Lounge at Sea- TAC tomorrow. But first a cup of tea. Here is one I prepared earlier

Either the windows need a clean or weather had deteriorated . Let’s flick on the TV and see what boffins say. A lot actually but it means SFA as really they only have one icon and you really cant go wrong with it

While browsing the webby thing yesterday arvo had come across a great deal for a Segway today for only $25 – usually $70. Worth a crack so booked it and spookily it was back over near that bloody houseboat . Around 8 am as set off for double busser it seemed mostly mist which was ok. Let’s face it had been lucky with weather really up to now. And really it was not bad – until we actually got on the Sogway – no spelling mistake there. By then it was a constant , cold, annoying drizzle but we set off like Postmen. We were doing the Lake Union and Seattle Centre area so not going to be too many great surprises having basically been there yesterday. You know when weather was good

You wouldn’t see too much from up there today. In keeping with how the day was going the one attraction that could have saved the day was the “Interceptor” from first Pirates of Caribbean usually moored at Wooden Boats dock. Nope someone had taken it out for the day

Some interesting signts around and good background info but taking photos now was getting tres difficult as the rain continued . I did my best

It was becoming a grind. Spooky you say that

One point of mild interest was across from the Space Needle was a Sports Bar which is actually the building used as Seattle Grace hospital in Greys Anatomy. Probably explains when I walked in the other day the lady behind the bar said “Welcome back McDreamy” The penny didn’t drop because to be honest that happens a lot to me. Me walking into a new bar that is, not that other nonsense 🤓

And then the piece da resistance on the way back we see the original “internet” (in the mist)stretched between the two buildings of the Gates Foundation. It actually is an “artists impression”

So if you thought today’s blog was a bore to read imagine living it ! I did finish the gift shopping for kiddies , just have to work out the packing tomorrow along with the four glasses have snaffled along the way

This afternoon looks like one of those where you take your Growler to the pub and say fill me up. Probably best I sign off now then

Or not . Maybe a laundary visit in this lousy weather . What to do while cycles do their thing ? Had the worst coffee in USA during wash cycle so quickly found a pub for longer dry cycle . The Unicorn fit the bill nicely. Hell, could have stayed for an extra spin cycle. Ya with me

All good things come to an end. Apart from the rain in Seattle it appears . The laundary was done

Which of course means I now feel like a , like a…..

So better start with usual Yoghurt then as only culture Yanks have 🙂

Today’s plan was to head to Seattle centre early to make sure nothing is open. Worked a treat ;( . Nice day weather wise so good for some early snaps before the GU descend

Anyhoo then took a short walk down to Olympic Sculpture Park where they had a sculpture of Thorpies head and other empty structures along with beautiful views of Puget Sound

By now it was time to go line up for Needle ticket and relatively small crowd so easy peasy. Cloud had started to come in by now but still a great view far and wide. It was freezing out on the deck and worried would drop camera when leaning out. So I didn’t

Next it was onto MoMop (formerly EMP) and this is one amazing museum. They had a Star Trek display on so wondered how many geeks had stayed on from Comic Con but then remembered they don’t wake until after noon. Whew

Now research had shown that the houseboat from Sleepless in Seattle was a mere cut lunch and a bus ride or a hearty 45 min walk . Had mingled enough so far so headed out on the walk on a pleasant cool day. Research had also told me that you would not get near the boat and realistically not a photo opportunity per se but you are only young once. In the smattering of photos I took is likely the houseboat and you can win a prize dear reader ( a one year subscription to this blog ) if u pick it. Stalker.com has assured me it is at least behind these gates! And is the section of road Meg almost got run over by truck. Bloody truck had one job eh….

So all in all a very productive morning though tiring . Time to do the double busser back home for a rest and correspondence and then head about a bit later for my one beer and a late lunch early dinner type of deal. Then time to plan tomorrow as sadly the week draws to an end . The weather changes so quickly that there will be no water activities done but Segway still a roughie . Also time to haunt some good coffee places , good being a relative term natch😏

My manhood was questioned. Even national pride one could say . ” So you are an Aussie eh? . Want to try the Double Dog?” Is that where the first one is so ugly you have to….. sorry carry on. I had booked my one and only brewery tour in Seattle with Road Dogs for Tuesday 10:30 am. 3 Breweries in 3 hrs – what could go wrong? Double Dog involves getting off first tour , find a toilet or bucket , and then hopping on next tour for a different 3 breweries over next 3 hours. Well call me Chauncey and pencil me in. Loaded up with a solid breakfast first and headed downtown for a pre trip coffee . If it all goes ass up have nothing serious planned for Wednesday 😏. The weather is not good as rain is actually here but should not be a big issue today on da bus although does making dressing oneself tricky again. I already have start of sore throat as got caught out a couple of times in last few days . Wonder if any particular liquid soothes a sore throat….

So at 10:15 I joked about a “solo tour ” Ha . I was right! I was double dogging myself with ” Kevin” . Now I appreciate that these tours go ahead with limited, bordering on zero numbers , but not quite the same vibe without a group . Still we soldiered on and Kev was great . We visited the requisite 6 Breweries but without that pesky one hour break in between tours were finished by 4:30 pm and even dropped home at the door . Then the search for the XL T shirt freebie. Nope none in stock – here is an L and XXL. Ok sweet , I fit in the L and the XXL can be a gift for Number One Son and he will think I am thoughtful .

It was a miserable day weather wise in Seattle so perfect for this kind of tour. Finishing a bit early gives me more options for a later dinner and some time to sober up. Pretty smart over all with plenty of water on board and some tucker but the servings were significant. A lesser man may have struggled

A few free days ahead where the weather will depend largely what I do but plan on checking out Needle , EMP etc tomorrow . After that a Segway, Cruise? One thing for sure, will be waiting until actual day dawns to decide . #Clowns

Today has our first booked tour – Seattle Gourmet Foodie Walking Extravaganza. Good news is it takes place in any weather as forecast not so good. Mind you forecast varies, and significantly, between TV channels with at least one wag throwing the sun icon into the rain/cloud/snow combo. Always talk of snow but like Portland it seems more in the general area than the actual city . The only real issue is dressing correctly for a few hours. All very well to say layers but if gets hot then stuck carrying a layer around eh

As it’s a PM tour thought would head out to Fremont area this morning and just see where exactly Mont is locked up. There is a big troll, couple of statues and even a brewery but at this stage leave all serious drinking for tomorrow when double dogging – more later. The interesting thing today is any weirdos around are not Comic Con attendees but just your normal Seattlites 😏

It’s a double busser meaning the first bus driver was so ugly I got off and caught another one 🤓 Fremont looks an interesting area with some great views back across to Seattle but time was a bit limited with length of travel time and pending pm appointment . Still ticked most of the boxes I reckon

This weather is weird trust me. The rain not an issue but man the temp jumps around with wind chill a big factor. Will duck home for a break in between and rest feet for festivities ahead

So starting to think these weather guys here have studied in Aussieland and still didn’t pass . Ended up a very pleasant afternoon with sun although very cool. Great tour food wise with excellent guide and some superb and varied food. The group was on the dull side and is the big difference between foodie and drinkie tours. Some nice sips of wine though were thrown in but a quiet day today in preparation for tomorrow 😏

Such a nice afternoon couldn’t resist taking som more photos because you never know what tomorrow may bring. Well certainly the forecasters don’t!

Quiet day planned as many of the must see attractions down town will likely have masses of the great unwashed milling around being a Sunday. Does provide options to observe quirk so likely approach the vicinity on a leisurely stroll especially with Comic Con still on. Wonder how many will recognise Flash out of his costume ? . The plan seems to be walk downtown and bus it home up the hills . But first Church and then will give this breakfast caper a crack and not just the egggs . Oh that’s right, “church” doesn’t open until 11 am . The roll up for breakfast was a good preview of next years cruise methinks. No walking frames at least….

Ok so I did go to a bit of bother. Look I don’t get it but great to see so many people having fun . The day started out very pleasant so did the long walk noting things of interest along the way

Then onto the waterfront and even went on the big wheel and did other tourist crap like wall of gum and fish throwing . The weather was starting to turn

Lovely views of Seattle from Wheel actually before the weather changed . Luckily I wore the slight warmer jacket but no beanie of course – the sun was out . By 11:30 am it was bone chilling so glad to catch bus home but must be time for a beer and bite first

Seattle is well known for at least 3 pop culture icons over the last several decades and paid my homage today . Linda’s Tavern was the last place Cobain was seen alive or so the legend goes

Once again have achieved so much in first 24 hrs. First tour starts tomorrow so a bit of planning and some relaxation over rest of day. May duck out for a beer and dinner later on. CLP has suggested I don’t need to post any more photos of beer so it is a quandary . Do I stop posting or just unfriend her ? 🤓

I will sleep on it . In between the planes overhead of course….