At Kings Cross we paused for a selfie, then took the tube to Paddington to catch a train to Oxford to join friends for our hike to the source of the Thames. Somehow, instead of one tube train, we took four trains, or maybe it was five trains as we compounded our navigation errors.
Category: Place
Tales of Two Cities
Compared notes about our day over dinner and suds at The Lamb round the corner from Goodenough College where we’re staying in the David Copperfield suite. This small Victorian pub was good enough for Charles Dickens who lived nearby, and it was definitely good enough for us. Dwight spent much of his day exploring the…… Continue reading Tales of Two Cities
Ends of a Trail
We took a train out of London to the Thames Barrier, an enormous structure that protects London from flooding when there’s a tidal surge from the North Sea. The Barrier also marks one end of the 180-mile Thames Path to the river’s source. Next week we’ll hike the path from Oxford to the source, inn-to-inn,…… Continue reading Ends of a Trail
Plenty Good Enough for Us
After way too much walking in London, we retreated to our home for the next few nights: Goodenough College, a postgraduate residence. Meals are served in the Great Hall (we’re only having breakfast here). Our room is more spacious but less expensive than a typical hotel room, with a private bathroom, sitting area, and a…… Continue reading Plenty Good Enough for Us
UK 2024
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View from Washington Avenue Bridge
Near the end of my cycle ride, I paused on this double-decker bridge which connects two campuses of the University of Minnesota. The upper deck features dedicated bike lanes, an enclosed walkway, and a pedestrian path. The lower deck accommodates light rail and regular traffic. The unmistakeably Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum, sometimes my haven…… Continue reading View from Washington Avenue Bridge
View from Plymouth Avenue Bridge
At roughly the midpoint of our Sunday walk, we cross the Mississippi River on the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, enjoying the downstream view towards Downtown. The distinctive Boom Island ‘Lighthouse’ is an addition to the park, built in 1987 by the Minneapolis Park Board.
View From Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9
At the start of my walk, I paused to observe the Saturday scene from a bridge. University students were practicing sculling, guided by a coach shouting encouragement from a chase boat. On land, two teams were warming up for a friendly volleyball match. Colorful kayaks were lined up, ready for use, and a couple runners…… Continue reading View From Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9
View From Lake Street Bridge
Beautiful day for a bike ride! Paused on the Lake Street Bridge to enjoy this Minneapolis vista with Fall colors starting to sneak in. On the left, the IDS Tower, designed by Philip Johnson, stands tall as the city’s tallest building. To the right, the University of Minnesota Medical Center, where I receive excellent care.…… Continue reading View From Lake Street Bridge
St. Paul Day Out
Took the light rail to the Thomas Dale neighborhood of St. Paul to meet friends at this unassuming Vietnamese bakery. Chatted over coffee and the best almond croissants. Afterward, I explored random streets in the neighborhood by bike, passing the Capitol before heading to downtown St. Paul and catching the train back to Minneapolis.