Seems like ages ago we left Spokane and the dog conference – a few more posts to come on that, stay with me – and it’s probably good too as it’s snowing in that neck of the woods now. And you know the best part of that, I am writing this poolside in Palm Springs where it has been a magnificent day and will be just as magnificent tomorrow. Only problem, poolside beer costs more than the el-cheapo we have been having – but, who cares … Here’s a photo, which I took right now (and you should have seen the sunset change colour as I type)

Anyway, thought it was about time I gave a little more about Spokane, which is inland and the fourth largest city in the Pacific Northwest – we visited the others above it being Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. I don’t think there is really much in Spokane apart from an international airport, skiing and obviously conferences.

There is an excellent river and walking paths and it felt pretty safe in the areas we ventured downtown. Spokane is also where the Gonzaga University is situated (famous for basketball and last season they had two Aussies on the roster). Hint, if not sure of where to go aside from the regular tourist places, go to a city where there is a large university as these towns are generally pretty well looked after.

Spokane, surprisingly (??), also had some excellent eating places. And one more thing, there are car parks everywhere a building once was (it’s not a city of high-rise or anything new – apart from the convention centre). Oh, and as well as being known for the above-mentioned, I bet you did not know that Spokane has the largest radio flyer wagon cart in the world.

And that’s pretty much for Spokane. Unless you are going to a conference or want to try skiing elsewhere, or maybe want to fly in from elsewhere, this is probably the closest you will ever get to Spokane.

Here are some random shots –