For your buck...

NOW, how to get to this hidden gem called Spokane, but which is pronounced ‘Spock Ann’ by Washingtonians?

Well, how’s this for the trip of a lifetime, with added bonuses?

As a destination, Seattle sells itself – and it’s not as far as you might think.

I suggest you use Icelandair, travelling the two hours to Iceland, before the seven-hour journey over the Northern Canada route direct to Seattle. You can even stay in Iceland for up to seven days in between flights, on the same return ticket.

Seattle is sensational. It has the lot – a wonderful West Coast setting; mega attractions (get a City Pass and you won’t go wrong); amazing history – it’s been home of gifted Native American Chief Seattle, not to mention Microsoft, Amazon, UPS, Cosco, Expedia, Starbucks, and Boeing.

You can tour Boeing’s factory and visit myriad nearby the derelict railway area next to the scenic city centre falls, which boasted a locally invented gondola to take the crowds across the river.

The city’s parks director outbid Walt Disney to buy a huge children’s carousel, built in 1906. Initially, he was laughed at for his so-called extravagant ‘folly.’ Today, a special arena is being built to protect the working carousel, which is much loved by residents.

Another example of Spokane’s can-do willingness to chance its arm aircraft museums.

Then you can go on the 200-mile-long North Cascades Scenic Byway through glacier lakes and mountain passes to make your eyes water.

Another 200 miles on, taking in the Grand Coulee Dam, and you’re in Spokane for two or three days. Fly back to Seattle with Icelandair partner Alaskan Air, one of the most customer-friendly outfits in the world. Quite a trip, quite an experience. is a talented eccentric called, believe it or not, Royal Riblet. An inventor, he patented a trick cycle for circus use, a water sprinkler, and an aerial tramway to his home, built high up on a basalt outcrop above the Spokane Valley. His fortress-style Arbor Crest residence is now a winery, which hosts weddings. Mr Riblet would have approved: he had seven wives in his time, his last one being 32 years younger than him!