LEEDS

Situated in the middle of the United Kingdom, with a diverse population of 751,500, Leeds is the third largest and one of the fastest growing, greenest cities in the UK. Metropolitan district’s current population actually makes it the second biggest in England after Birmingham. The city center holds a flamboyant variety of Victorian architecture, in ornate shopping malls and proud  public buildings such as the Corn Exchange and Town Hall. The City Art Gallery excels in its Victorian and 20th-century British art (notably sculpture by Henry Moore). while Armley Mills Museum and Thwaite Mills recall the city's industrial heritage.

Roundhay Park * Civic Hall * Merrion Centre * Boar Lane

The city’s coat of arms has three stars taken from the coat of arms of Sir Thomas Danby, its first mayor; fleece to symbolise the wool industry and three owls taken from the coat of arms of Sir John Saville, who was the first Alderman of Leeds. Leeds’ motto of ‘Pro rege et lege’ is latin and means ‘For king and the law’.

YELLOWSTONE

One of the marvels of the world, and the country’s oldest national park, this wild wonderland spreads across the three states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho (96 percent is located within Wyoming). Yellowstone National Park's 2 million acres are home to an incomparable combination of natural beauty, rugged wilderness, majestic peaks and abundant wildlife, as well as the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features. Alongside the spectacular shows of geothermal activity, it has dense forests, towering peaks, deep river canyons, and enough outdoor recreation to last a lifetime.

Upper Falls of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, which drops 109 feet, is reached by a short path from the road. The view from the brink is thrilling, and one's effort in getting there well worthwhile. The falls are most impressive in the spring when the Yellowstone River is higher from all of the snow melt in late May and early June. This is a very impressive waterfall.

AGAWA CANYON

"TRESTLE AND DAM ON THE MONTREAL RIVER"

The Algoma District spreading north out of Sault Ste. Marie (pronounced soo-saint-marie), Ontario, is 16,000 square miles of vacationland. One of the more exciting trips awaiting the visitor is Agawa Canyon tour out of "The Soo" on the Algoma Central Railway. The Canyon lies in the heart of the wilderness and is accessible only by rail. En route, the train passes over the trestle, which straddles  the rushing Montreal River and an Ontario Hydro damsite.

The Algoma Central Railway is the only way in to this scenic wilderness area, with its waterfalls, mountains, ravines and forests. Special excursion trains make a day trip. There's a two-hour stop within the canyon for exploring, hill-climbing, rock-hounding, picnicking, fishing or just admiring the scenery. It's a trek that will appeal to walkers, hikers, backpackers and anyone who appreciates nature's beauty.



Algoma Country

MAINE

The largest state in New England, Maine is truly the Great Outdoors. Its most popular attractions are found along the spectacular coastline, beginning in the southeast with its largest and liveliest city, Portland, and the resort towns of the Kennebunks. Farther north, yachts and windjammers ply the waters of Penobscot Bay, while Acadia National Park stands as Maine’s coastal jewel. World-class skiing, hiking, and mountain-biking opportunities are found inland, at Bethel and Sugarloaf.

Maine Facts

Maine - "Pine Tree State"

CAPITAL - Augusta

AREA - 33,125 sq.miles

POPULATION -  "2015" 1,329,358

MOTTO - "Dirigo" I Direct"

FLOWER - Pine Cone

ANIMAL - Moose

CAT - Maine Coon

BIRD - Chickadee

TREE - Eastern White Pine

INSECT - Honeybee

23 rd. State admitted to the Union

Received from postcrosser Dick

CAERNARFON

 Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict. Caernarvon is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. It was modeled on fortress at Constantinople. Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, the fortress (with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded masonry) dominates the walled town also founded by Edward I. Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment. Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant (1726–98) called Caernarfon Castle “that most magnificent badge of our subjection.”

Caernarfon Castle, North Wales
Eagle Tower

Received from Polish blogger and postcrosser Joanna

KILLARNEY

Located in the County of Kerry, Killarney is at the heart of the very beautiful and spectacular Southwest of Ireland. Also known as ‘The Town in the Park’, Killarney town is surrounded by 26,000 acres of National Parkland, including three stunning lakes. Killarney, one of Ireland's jewels and busiest tourist towns has many beautiful sites including Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and the Killarney National Park and is often referred to as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry.

Ross Castle is situated on the edge of Lough Leane one the lower lakes of Killarney National Park, 1.5 miles south of Killarney within the Kenmare Estate. It is a square tower house with bartizans, or overhanging turrets, on two of the tower's corners and two (of the original four) round towers. The castle is surrounded by parts of a square bawn or defensive wall. The most important room of the castle is the Great Hall situated on the top floor with large windows, fireplace, kitchen and minstrels' gallery. Ross Castle Killarney was probably built in the late 15thcentury.

Postcrossing postcard received from Brian

VICTORIA

Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia - Canada's most westerly province. It is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. In the city centre, the narrow streets are lined with handsome 19th century stone buildings, and great baskets overflowing with flowers grace and lampposts. It will charm you with its colonial heritage, beautiful world famous gardens, and its inner city harbour which is the focal point of the city. The Parliament buildings themselves overlook the harbour which is  a bustle of activity year-round. Every year the city of Victoria is adorned with millions of flowers, enhancing its reputation as Canada's "City of Gardens".

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
 

Construction of the current Parliament Buildings started in 1893 and they were officially opened on February 10, 1898. The style of the Parliament Buildings has been described as ‘free classical’ and ‘Romanesque.’ The roof is capped by 33 copper domes of different sizes. On top of the central dome, stands a gold plated, two-metre tall statue of Captain George Vancouver. Each night, the buildings are illuminated by more than 3500 energy-efficient light bulbs.

To visit the Parliament Buildings, go to Parliamentary Tour Office

Postcrossing postcard received from Katie

 

KEYSTONE SHORTWAY

The transcontinental Interstate 80 (I-80) is designated across northern Pennsylvania as the Keystone Shortway, a non-tolled freeway that crosses rural north-central portions of the state on the way to New Jersey and New York City. In Pennsylvania, Interstate 80 is also known as the “Z.H. Confair Memorial Highway.” On Sept. 17, 1970, the Pennsylvania section of I-80 was completed. Motorists had the ability to travel uninterrupted through the Commonwealth from Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County to Sharon in Mercer County. For over four decades, many have traveled the “Keystone Shortcut” to reach their destinations and get quickly from point to point, proving that the Pennsylvania section of I-80 continues to be an important artery in the U.S. highway system.

The KEYSTONE SHORTWAY , Interstate 80, between Sharon and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 313 miles, 53 interchanges and 486 bridges, gives good access to many of the state parks and recreational areas as well as the shortest route across the state.

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK

Welcome to Niagara Falls!

Niagara Falls , located (420 miles from New York City) on the border between Canada and the US, is one of New York State’s prime attractions, drawing more than 10 million visitors a year. It is a bustling tourist town with a tremendous range of man-made attractions. Nicknamed the world’s honeymoon capital, this spot is a natural wonder attracting newlyweds, families, cross-country travelers and waterfall fans. Each year millions of tourists from all over the world come to experience Bridal Veil Falls on Luna Island. From this point on the American side you can actually stand on top of the falls. A system of illumination also makes the falls a great attraction at night, every night of the year. Niagara Falls is amazing!

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

 

The Annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair

Incorporated in 1867, the City of Wyandotte is often described as the ‘Heart of Downriver’. A waterfront community, Wyandotte is rich in history and is known for its distinctive architecture, charming downtown district and a variety of cultural offerings. Wyandotte is well known for its community events, beautiful historical Museum, festivals and annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair. The Fair is traditionally held the second week of July each year. This popular event combines over 400 talented craftsmen and artists in a festive atmosphere. Special children's shows, street musicians and entertainers, along with delicious food booths provides something for everyone.

The purpose of the Wyandotte Street Art Fair is:

• To promote and expand community awareness of the creative arts through quality exhibits that provide meaningful, cultural enrichment.
• To offer the artist and visitor alike the opportunity to meet one another in a hospitable and festive atmosphere
• To stimulate a sense of civic unity and pride through the dynamics of cultural understanding