York, England

City Gates

Main Gate

On a recent trip to England I visited London, York and Stratford-Upon-Avon. They were all beautiful, rich with history and exciting. My favorite though was York which had so much to offer in a small package.

York was founded by the Romans and declared the Roman capital of Britannia. Constantine the First died in York during a stay and his son Constantine the Great was proclaimed emperor by the troops stationed there. Later after the Romans left it was under various British kings until it was invaded by the Vikings. It was the Viking capital of Britain and got it's name Jorvik which later became York.

York is a beautiful walled in city and you can actually take steps up to the top of the wall and walk around the city. Inside the city walls it is very easy to walk everywhere and take in the history, shopping, pubs and restaurants. The York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Also inside the walls is the Jorvik Viking experience. You go under ground where the Viking settlement was discovered. The experience is great with a ride that reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. At the end of the ride is a museum with artifacts dug up in the area. Cliffords Tower is a great place to view the city. It was part of the York Castle and dates back to William I in the 11th century. I would also suggest taking a river cruise on the Ouse. It is relaxing and a great way to view the surrounding countryside.

Clifford Tower

River Ouse

York Minster

York Minster

York has something for everyone from history to shopping to refreshments to entertainment. It is mostly confined within the walls and very easy to get around. In one day you could walk the city. there are parks, pubs and restaurants to stop and relax when you need a break.

Yosemite 2019

We again did our family trip to Yosemite this summer. For the last few years the falls have been incredible. This year Tioga Pass was still closed so there is still a lot of snow on the peaks which will mean water over the falls all summer.

The weather was great with warm days, cool nights and no rain. It was a little more crowded this year than last but still worth it. I brought warm clothes but stayed in shorts and a t-shirt even in the early mornings.

We did a lot of hiking and with the high water we had to trek through water on some of the trails. Wildlife was out and we saw more than normal. This year we saw bears and actually had a dear walk into our campsite.

I have been going to Yosemite since I was a child and plan to continue going.

On a great note I am excited that the park service settled the naming rights issue and the Ahwahnee Camp Curry are back.

The Blue Boar Inn, Alcester England

Last week I traveled to Stratford-Upon-Avon while touring England. Not knowing the area I took a chance on finding a place to stay. Looking back at my stay I don't think I could have found a better place.

Parts of the Blue Boar Inn date back to the 1600's. It has been an ale house since then. You can sit in the bar area or outside. In the winter you can enjoy a cozy fire inside. When I first got there I had a couple pints and got to know the locals.

For food they have a very nice restaurant. The dinner menu is great and a full English breakfast is included. My breakfast was more than enough to get me through the morning.

For a place as old as it is the rooms are huge. I had a suite with a queen size bed in one room and 3 twin beds in the other.

I loved the staff. Not only are they friendly but they also offered great advice on exploring the area.

It is out in the country but that made it even better. Away from the town that was crowded with tourists it was a relaxing place to stay.

The location is about 6 miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon. If you have a car you can park all day at the train station in town for about 4 pounds and walk into the center of town.

If you are in the area I highly recommend staying there.