SPALDING

Spalding is a bustling Georgian Market Town set around the picturesque River Welland and situated within the South Lincolnshire Fens, approximately 105 miles north of London. The settlement’s name is derived from an Anglian tribe, the Spaldingas, who settled in the area during the 6th century. Surrounded by dikes and streams and counting seven bridges in its town center, it has a Dutch feel, reinforced by tulip fields in Springfield Gardens and its Flower Parade in early May. The parade celebrated the region’s vast tulip production and the cultural links between the Fens and the landscape and people of South Holland. Spalding has a surplus of small but worthwhile attractions, like Britain’s tallest windmill, an authentic blacksmith’s forge and Medieval churches. It is quite a special part of Lincolnshire and most definitely worth visiting numerous times.

SPRINGFIELDS GARDENS

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

PERTH

 Western Australia’s pretty capital is the most isolated city in the world. The city of Perth lies on the Swan River, just 20 km from where it flows into the Indian Ocean. The coastal plain on which it stands is bordered to the north and west by the Darling Range, beyond which lie the region’s wheat fields. To the south is a diverse landscape: forests with some of the tallest trees on earth, mountains that dramatically change colour during the course of each day and a spectacular coastline. The history of Perth has been one of building and rebuilding. Perth is a relatively small and quiet city compared with those on the east coast. Its main commercial and shopping areas can be easily explored on foot. The city’s atmosphere is brisk but not hurried. The city centre is bordered to the south and east by a wide stretch of the Swan River known as Perth Water, and to the north lies Northbridge, Perth’s restaurant and entertainment centre.

PERTH SKYLINE FROM KING'S PARK W. A.

In this view, the rapid development and progress of this flourishing city is symbolised by dramatic modern skyscrapers which dominate the city line.

Established at the end of the 19th century, King's Park is 400 ha of both wild and cultivated parkland. Situated on Mount Eliza, it offers views of the city and the Swan River. Most of the park is bush land, which can be seen from the DNA Tower. A landscaped parkland area on the eastern side includes the 17 ha Western Australian Botanic Garden. Treetops Walkway, a 629-m-long elevated walkway, gives another perspective of the garden. The State War Memorial on Anzac Bluff is dedicated to the Western Australians who died in the two world wars. 

Visit Perth

AUSTIN

 In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas". The city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World". Austin has it all - blues, country/Western, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock. Performed in various clubs around city and  at night spots along Sixth Street. Austin is home to  many computer chip makers and other computer industries. The city is home to nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Ave. bridge during the summer.

CONGRESS AVENUE and the STATE CAPITOL

State Capitol Building, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. It was completed in 1888. The handsome building underwent major renovation during 1993-1994 when it was restored to original splendor. Striking state office buildings surround the Capitol. 

 

 

Visit Austin: Live Music Capital of the World 

Travel Texas

PORT ELIZABETH

 Only a few minutes away from the city centre, the beaches on the long graceful sweep of Algoa Bay provide unlimited opportunities throughout the year for swimming, rock and surf angling, deep sea fishing, boating, surfing and diving. The yachting fraternity tends to gravitate to Hobie Beach and the placid waters of the Swartkops River. The historic heart of the city and traditional gathering and bartering place. Trading still takes place here at the flea market on Saturday mornings. The impressive city hall dates from 1858. Steam train enthusiasts come from afar to ride on the Apple Express which runs from Port Elizabeth on a narrow gauge (610 mm) railway line to the fruit-growing valley of the Long Kloof.

Views of beach front and main beaches. Yachts sailing past beach front 

THUNDER BAY

This is Canada's western terminus for ocean-going freighters which ply the St. Lawrence Seaway. Not only is Thunder Bay Canada's third largest port, it also boasts to be the largest grain-handling port in the world, holding its precious cargo from the Prairies in huge elevators at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River. There's plenty to do in Thunder Bay - mine your own amethysts, visit the numerous parks, gardens and museums or tour the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the only public galery in Canada that focuses on aboriginal art. 

KEEFER TERMINAL

The new Seaway Terminal connecting Canada's West with all ports of the world through the St. Lawrence Seaway System.

Mt. McKay. A great view of the city and surroundings from a 183 m ledge situated in an Ojibwa Reservation.
Terry Fox Monument. Just east of the city, this impressive bronze statue of Terry Fox is located at an awe-inspiring lookout near where he ended his Marathon of Hope run.

City of Thunder Bay

JERSEY

 14 miles from France, Jersey is the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands possessing great natural beauty and has the highest sunshine record in the British Isles. St. Helier is the capital of the island. The cosmopolitan harbour town is bustling with life, shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. There are over 20 beaches, all different with many small and picturesque fishing harbour around the Island's magnificent coast. In the south west of the island stands St. Brelade, most known for its beach culture: the sheltered sandy bays of St. Brelade, Portelet and Beauport and a special fisherman’s chapel “La Chapelle ès Pêcheurs.” An island of natural beauty, where you’re free to reconnect and revitalise in the fresh sea air. A land of sunshine, sparkling blue seas, and hot white sand. Somewhere a little way apart, a little bit different, ever so slightly exotic.

ST. BRELADE'S BAY  * THE BEACH, GOREY

PORTELET BAY *  LA CORBIERE LIGHTHOUSE

[1972]

Visit Jersey

NEW GLARUS

 Settled in 1845 by Swiss immigrants, this picturesque community is a thriving showcase of Swiss heritage, architecture, customs and cuisine. New Glarus residents observe Swiss traditions throughout the year. Expect to hear plenty of yodeling and alphorns in a village famous as "America's Little Switzerland". Notable annual events include the Wilhelm Tell Festival over Labor Day weekend and Oktoberfest in the fall. "Barn quilt" tours are another popular pastime as well as hiking and biking the Sugar River State Trail. The scenic hills will beckon you, and the rich Swiss culture will make you want to stay. Experience international travel without ever pulling out your passport.

Scenic view of New Glarus, Wisconsin. Home of Schiller's Wilhelm Tell Drama annually on Labor Day weekend

For more information, visit swisstown.com

BETHLEHEM

 Situated in the famous maize triangle, Bethlehem features beautiful historic sandstone buildings and excellent facilities for tourists. Established by devout Voortrekkers on the farm Pretoriuskloof in 1864. They named the town after the birthplace of Christ, and the river, which flows through the kloof, after the biblical Jordan. Bethlehem is indeed blessed with surroundings in which seasonal changes surpass each other in beauty and splendour. Verdant spring is just as magnificent as autumn when the sun warms all in shades of burnished copper. It is the most important administrative, agricultural, commercial, industrial and tourist centre in the Eastern Free State. The last Saturday of the month is the date for the regular art market on the Moederkerkplein. Bethlehem furthermore has a modern airfield and railway station.

Popular inland holiday resort - and an important grain-producing area

THOMPSON

 Rising from the northern bush is Thompson - Manitoba's nickel capital - established when INCO Ltd. built a mining and refinement project in 1957. It's now a community of modern houses, a golf course, museum, swimming pool, zoo and three major shopping centres. There is also a library, campground, float plane base for fly-in visitors as well as air, bus, rail service. Known as the "Hub of the North", Thompson is one of Manitoba's more remote destinations. Explore and experience your wildest dreams!

Adventure in Canada: Greetings from North of the 55th Parallel, Thompson, Manitoba

Inco Ltd. offers guided 90-minute walking tours of Inco's surface area - headframe, mill, smelter and rafinery.

Miner Statue stands 4m and was erected in 1981 as a part of the city's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Heritage North Museum is a beautiful log building housing local historic artifacts, natural history exhibits and a small pioneer display. Under development is a display of Hudson Bay Company and Northwest Company trade artifacts.

BARABOO

 Baraboo, 13 miles to the south of Wisconsin Dells, attracts visitors with Circus World Museum. The city was the hometown of the "Ringling Brothers". Their famous circus wintered  there at the turn of the century. Just outside Baraboo, Devil's Lake State Park is a geologic gem. Created by the glaciers, the park's spring-fed lake is surrounded on three sides by 500-foot-high bluffs. Beautiful Devil's Lake was named Minnewaukan by the Indians, meaning Evil Spirit. The unusual echos in the area created a mistrust of the lake and the Indians feared to camp here. The Lake, a mile and a quarter long is simingly dwarfed by sheer cliffs standing as sentinels around it.

Beach scene at Devil's Lake, Wisconsin State Park (1040 acres) near Baraboo, Wis.

Many great Universities maintain summer Geology camps here, where students study the myriad rock formations in their unusual and beautiful, natural laboratory. With the excellent sand beaches, giant bluffs and fascinating natural rocky formations, swimming, hiking and climbing are enjoyed here.  

For more information visit baraboo.com