NASA Gateway
Friday 10.11.23
A late afternoon flight departing Houston arriving at Heathrow early on Saturday morning. After very nearly two busy weeks it seems appropriate to take it easy this morning, pack and get ready for the trip so no additional exploring.
The trip has been fantastic. All of the anticipated highlights achieved and we have seen much of the recent history of American music from the part of the world. Alongside that two of the famous names trains – The City of New Orleans and The Sunset Limited. Graceland, Casey Jones, Tina Turner’s school and the related museum, a paddle steamer on the Mississippi plus the wonders of Space Center, Houston, particularly the Apollo Mission control room and not forgetting the peak at the history of Martin Luther King and Lookout Mountain. And of course the Peabody Ducks in Memphis.
The organisation of the trip all worked extremely well, the tour manager was capable and able to ensure that matters run smoothly – a good tour manager knowing what is going to happen and ensuring it does and being prepared when things need to change (such as the breakfast in Memphis when the train failed to appear) as well as being visible and knowing answers when asked all make it so much easier for the participants.
After flying back from Vancouver in somewhat uncomfortable Premium Economy we bit the bullet and came back business class – so we were assured at least some sleep and relatively comfortable flat beds for this journey.
We have covered something like 10400 miles – probably more given some of the routings and city tours as routes were not always direct. An excellent holiday.