So, where is Richland?

Back on the road again, after a month or so at home. The next few weeks will be busy and will test (even my) patience with airports and airlines. On the plus side, I don't have any flights on United because that would probably push me over the edge.....

A long journey yesterday, from London to Seattle via Calgary. The flights with Air Canada were good - not too full, friendly service and even the food was better than average. The crew did their best to get away from Heathrow early, but to no avail. AS usual at the world's worst airport, a 30 minute delay before pushback. Fortunately we didn't lose any more time because I needed every minute to transfer in Calgary. Now if only I'd known before but Calgary really doesn't do transfers. Sure, Air Canada will sell you one but they didn't really clear it with the airport first. So you join the queue to enter Canada, pick up your bag, trek through the airport to the check-in desk, round the corner to the US Customs (quick stop on the way to complete the visa forms). Another queue and by now I've got 40 minutes to the next flight but thankfully a group of women ahead of me got in a panic and cut through the barriers because they were sure they would miss their flight. The supervisor agreed to process them right away but they had cut the size of the main queue so much by running, that I made it through in front of them! So, 15 minutes to my flight, follow the signs.......to the security check. Of course, only one x-ray machine in service staffed by two grouchy women who've obviously been on duty way too long. A German girl in front of me had left her sun-cream in her rucksack and got what could best be described as "a bollocking". So with zero minutes left I made it to the gate and to the plane - which was waiting for 10 more people to struggle across their airport. The only positive out of all that was that I had cleared US Customs so Seattle airport was a breeze!

Stayed one night in Seattle at the Doubletree, near the airport. Just down the road actually but too far to walk. It was well rated on TA and I suppose I can see why. It's like a slightly faded Hilton resort but in the wrong place. They're in the middle of some rebuilding which doesn't help much with overall impressions but the restaurant was fine for evening meal and for breakfast. So, no complaints. I didn't sleep but I can't blame the hotel for that - 8 hour time shift is the culprit.

Sunday morning and a short flight to Pasco. It's on a Q400, same as FlyBe, but there's only about 20 onboard. The lady across from me has brought her dog (Bella, a very pregnant pug) who promptly curls up on the seat next to her owner (not sure FlyBe would like that!). Weirdly, the plane is going on to Walla Walla which really should be in the South Pacific but is actually just down the road.

Richland calls itself a city but seems to be about twice the size of Andover. Guessing now but I'd say the population is bout 100,000. The Hampton Inn is right by the Columbia River, so decent location but not much in the way of facilities. They've got a pool and a breakfast room but no restaurant. There is a diber sort of place next door so I can see they'll be getting some of my custom during the week. Small menu, so I might have to venture further afield......

The hotel is on the edge of the Howard Amon riverside park which runs for about 5 miles. I walked for a couple of miles and it seems to be quite a local meeting place - a few families had even brought barbecues but anyone with food was getting pestered by the gulls. A perfect day for cycling but sadly no way to do that - damn. I had hoped one of the TV channels would carry the Grand Prix but no luck.

Monday should be a half-day but I'll just see how it goes as I gradually adjust to Pacific Time. Tuesday is the first full day so I'll report some more when I've crossed that hurdle.

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