May 30/10
Back into York to see the Castle Museum where they dress up as in the olden days and they have a street with shops that you would think would be in Dickens time. Then we went to York Minster to see the huge church. Unfortunately it was Sunday and they church services were going on until around 1pm or 2pm. We didn’t want to wait that long and so only so the outside of the beautiful church. So on to Grimsby for lunch. No… that didn’t work too well. By the time we got there it was 2:40 and every restaurant and pub stops serving lunch (on Sunday) at 2:30, no matter what!. We decided to eat a few of the cookies Elinor was kind enough to pack for us and that held us over until we got to Boston. A fellow in a bar directed us to the White Heart Inn and we booked a room, then went pub hopping and had dinner, 5.79 pounds for roast beef, potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and a drink (wine or beer). Good food, good meal. We have been passing a lot of caravans (trailers) on the road. All of them are quite small but are probably used just for weekends. We have passed a few signs with a picture silhouette of two old people and it says “Blind People” or “Elderly People” crossing. What are these people doing crossing the roads by themselves!!!! Off to South End tomorrow.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Through the Yorkshire Dales
May 29/10
Set off from Skipton to go to York, which is a direct if not straight route. Emily, our sweet GPS lady took us on the scenic route through Bradford, west of Leeds. The roads though the Yorkshire Dales was amazing. We felt like we were travelling through the TV series “All creatures great and Small” with James Harriet. After a long drive we finally made it to York and finally found the Information centre after driving all around York. Why they can’t drive on the right side of the road is beyond me. In fact we did it a couple times to the amazement of the rest of the drivers over here. At the information centre, they told us York was almost all booked up for rooms as it is a holiday weekend, but found us a bed & Breakfast at Tyburn House. After settling in there, we walked into York (about 20 min.) and hopped on the tour bus. Your ticket for it is good for 24 hours. Unfortunately they only run for 8 hours a day. We got on at 2pm and the last bus left at 3:55. So much for the tour bus. So we looked around on our own. Went to the Samuel Smith Pub and Joe got a beer for 1.57 pounds. And we thought England was going to be expensive, but so far the prices have been really good. We went to a nice pub and met a couple who lived in York all their lives and had a good chat. We had a bite to eat. Everything was closing by 6pm. We ended up walking back to our room in the pouring rain. What a great day! Our room was small with a tiny 3 piece bathroom but very comfortable and the next morning we got a “full” English breakfast that was really good.
Set off from Skipton to go to York, which is a direct if not straight route. Emily, our sweet GPS lady took us on the scenic route through Bradford, west of Leeds. The roads though the Yorkshire Dales was amazing. We felt like we were travelling through the TV series “All creatures great and Small” with James Harriet. After a long drive we finally made it to York and finally found the Information centre after driving all around York. Why they can’t drive on the right side of the road is beyond me. In fact we did it a couple times to the amazement of the rest of the drivers over here. At the information centre, they told us York was almost all booked up for rooms as it is a holiday weekend, but found us a bed & Breakfast at Tyburn House. After settling in there, we walked into York (about 20 min.) and hopped on the tour bus. Your ticket for it is good for 24 hours. Unfortunately they only run for 8 hours a day. We got on at 2pm and the last bus left at 3:55. So much for the tour bus. So we looked around on our own. Went to the Samuel Smith Pub and Joe got a beer for 1.57 pounds. And we thought England was going to be expensive, but so far the prices have been really good. We went to a nice pub and met a couple who lived in York all their lives and had a good chat. We had a bite to eat. Everything was closing by 6pm. We ended up walking back to our room in the pouring rain. What a great day! Our room was small with a tiny 3 piece bathroom but very comfortable and the next morning we got a “full” English breakfast that was really good.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Leaving Scotland
May 28/10
We left Scotland this morning and Elinor's (my cousin) wonderful meals, desserts and hospitality.
She has a sheep farm next door (the baby lambs have been born and they are so cute) and the sheep got out onto the road as we were leaving. When the car comes along they scurry back through the fence, sometimes getting caught in the barbed wire. It doesn't hurt them, but their wool gets caught up.
I have to say that Scotland is the "neatist" place I have ever been. Both in the fact that it is really, really beautiful and the fact it is so neat and tidy everywhere, like a picture postcard, with neat fields and little stone or hedge fences.
When we were travelling from the main highway along the secondary road, which I must say can be very narrow, there were horses and covered wagons travelling at a slow pace. Sometimes the owner was walking along beside the horse holding the rein, so that tells you the speed they were travelling. The traffic was held up behind them in that direction sometimes for a mile because the cars couldn't pass on the winding roads. I guess we were going the "right" way on the "wrong" side of the road.
We are in the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, England. We parked the car in town and because we both had to use the washroom (or toilet) as they say here, we entered the first pub, and beleive me it was not too far away, called the Avion. Had a drink and a pub lunch, then went to High Street where they were having their Market Day which is like a flea market all down the street.
We will head for York tomorrow.
We left Scotland this morning and Elinor's (my cousin) wonderful meals, desserts and hospitality.
She has a sheep farm next door (the baby lambs have been born and they are so cute) and the sheep got out onto the road as we were leaving. When the car comes along they scurry back through the fence, sometimes getting caught in the barbed wire. It doesn't hurt them, but their wool gets caught up.
I have to say that Scotland is the "neatist" place I have ever been. Both in the fact that it is really, really beautiful and the fact it is so neat and tidy everywhere, like a picture postcard, with neat fields and little stone or hedge fences.
When we were travelling from the main highway along the secondary road, which I must say can be very narrow, there were horses and covered wagons travelling at a slow pace. Sometimes the owner was walking along beside the horse holding the rein, so that tells you the speed they were travelling. The traffic was held up behind them in that direction sometimes for a mile because the cars couldn't pass on the winding roads. I guess we were going the "right" way on the "wrong" side of the road.
We are in the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, England. We parked the car in town and because we both had to use the washroom (or toilet) as they say here, we entered the first pub, and beleive me it was not too far away, called the Avion. Had a drink and a pub lunch, then went to High Street where they were having their Market Day which is like a flea market all down the street.
We will head for York tomorrow.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
Elinor, Billy, Joe and I went to Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle. Amazing place way up on rocks and we had to park at the bottom and climb cobbled road and at least a million steps to get to the top. We saw, the crown jewels, the many rooms and the prison where even some American and Canadian prisoners were kept. Dark cold dungeons with canvas hammocks and stone floors. Apparently the prisoners were treated quite well as far as food went and there was a doctor available if they got ill. The view was amazing.
Went down into Edinburgh and had lunch at Marks and Spensor, did some shopping and came back to Elinor’s. Joe and Elinor and Billy went to pick up our rental car and Billy will drive with Joe to get him back safely and help him with any confusion. The driving here is very complicated to us, but I am sure Joe will master it in no time at all. Well, they got back to Elinor's house safe and sound, but....oops..Joe got out and then went to open the door to put some papers inside and hit his nose with the top of the door. He came in holding his nose and bleeding. You can dress him up, but you can't take him anywhere. I hope he doesn't get blood on Elinor's nice white sheets tonight.
We booked a room in Skipton for tomorrow night and we also booked three nights, June 1,2,&3 at Jury's Hotel in Croydon, 20 minutes from downtown London.
Elinor, Billy, Joe and I went to Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle. Amazing place way up on rocks and we had to park at the bottom and climb cobbled road and at least a million steps to get to the top. We saw, the crown jewels, the many rooms and the prison where even some American and Canadian prisoners were kept. Dark cold dungeons with canvas hammocks and stone floors. Apparently the prisoners were treated quite well as far as food went and there was a doctor available if they got ill. The view was amazing.
Went down into Edinburgh and had lunch at Marks and Spensor, did some shopping and came back to Elinor’s. Joe and Elinor and Billy went to pick up our rental car and Billy will drive with Joe to get him back safely and help him with any confusion. The driving here is very complicated to us, but I am sure Joe will master it in no time at all. Well, they got back to Elinor's house safe and sound, but....oops..Joe got out and then went to open the door to put some papers inside and hit his nose with the top of the door. He came in holding his nose and bleeding. You can dress him up, but you can't take him anywhere. I hope he doesn't get blood on Elinor's nice white sheets tonight.
We booked a room in Skipton for tomorrow night and we also booked three nights, June 1,2,&3 at Jury's Hotel in Croydon, 20 minutes from downtown London.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 25/10
Elinor got Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene off to the airport. We went (Elinor, Joe and Bonnie) to Comrie today. What a lovely day we had. First had a coffee at the holistic centre. A sweet old Scottie dog greeted us on the way in. Then we went into the Royal Hotel, in Comrie which is where Queen Victoria and John Brown had their tryst in the 1886. Beautiful old hotel. Went to the Ancaster House, "a spit and sawdust pub", and Joe had a beer, which Elinor was quick to text Billy to make him jealous. Bily was at home doing laundry etc. Went to Crieff to tour "The Famous Grouse" distillery and have lunch. They make two types of whisky - green whisky and a blended called the Famous Grouse. They have some great adverts with an animated red grouse. Elinor made a great dinner, she is a very good cook. I have her recipe for Pavlova that I will attempt to make at home. We watched Moonstruck. I have also found a great summer drink. Gin and bitter lemon!
May 26/10
Today Billy came with us to St. Andrews golf course. Stopped on the way at a coffee shop called Loganlea. A quaint shop that also sold egg, or bacon etc on a bun and other goodies. Unfortunately they will be closing because with the poor economy they are no longer able to make a profit with the shop.
On to St. Andrews golf course, the site of the 2010 Open. They told us that Jack Nicklaus was playing today but we did not see him. We walked around St. Andrews town and had lunch at the Doll's House. The boys went to another pub while the girls shopped. Needless to say Elinor did the driving home. When we were leaving the road we wanted was closed so we had to detour and got lost. Billy and Joe were in the back seat navigating (poorly) Finally Billy said "I'm not a map reader" and gave up. Bonnie took over navigating and we finally made it home, actually with the help of Billy and Elinor was quite confident of the route.
On the way back we went down to the harbour in Crail (the most photographed harbour in Scotland. Then to Anstruther for the best fish & chips in Britain.
Elinor got Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene off to the airport. We went (Elinor, Joe and Bonnie) to Comrie today. What a lovely day we had. First had a coffee at the holistic centre. A sweet old Scottie dog greeted us on the way in. Then we went into the Royal Hotel, in Comrie which is where Queen Victoria and John Brown had their tryst in the 1886. Beautiful old hotel. Went to the Ancaster House, "a spit and sawdust pub", and Joe had a beer, which Elinor was quick to text Billy to make him jealous. Bily was at home doing laundry etc. Went to Crieff to tour "The Famous Grouse" distillery and have lunch. They make two types of whisky - green whisky and a blended called the Famous Grouse. They have some great adverts with an animated red grouse. Elinor made a great dinner, she is a very good cook. I have her recipe for Pavlova that I will attempt to make at home. We watched Moonstruck. I have also found a great summer drink. Gin and bitter lemon!
May 26/10
Today Billy came with us to St. Andrews golf course. Stopped on the way at a coffee shop called Loganlea. A quaint shop that also sold egg, or bacon etc on a bun and other goodies. Unfortunately they will be closing because with the poor economy they are no longer able to make a profit with the shop.
On to St. Andrews golf course, the site of the 2010 Open. They told us that Jack Nicklaus was playing today but we did not see him. We walked around St. Andrews town and had lunch at the Doll's House. The boys went to another pub while the girls shopped. Needless to say Elinor did the driving home. When we were leaving the road we wanted was closed so we had to detour and got lost. Billy and Joe were in the back seat navigating (poorly) Finally Billy said "I'm not a map reader" and gave up. Bonnie took over navigating and we finally made it home, actually with the help of Billy and Elinor was quite confident of the route.
On the way back we went down to the harbour in Crail (the most photographed harbour in Scotland. Then to Anstruther for the best fish & chips in Britain.
May 22/10
We all went to a fabulous huge nursery today. Uncle Morris was looking for a greenhouse cover which he will use in his garden at home and we went to Poppinjay hotel/restaurant for lunch in the Clyde valley. What beautiful scenery and the restaurant was lovely and we had REAL English fish and chips with tartar sauce and “mushy peas”. We came back to Einors, sat out in her beautiful garden and then had ham and salad for dinner and strawberries for dessert. That was me, the rest of them had trifle. Elinor made three desserts yesterday, Pavlova (I am getting the recipe) trifle and strawberry tarts. She has been kind enough to make something I can eat all the time. Elinor is a great cook and seems to be working all the time. She is a wonderful hostess and our room is actually her bedroom with an ensuite which she had made out of a closet. Fergus (works for the fire dept) is off for 18 days and went for a run, ending at Elinor’s and then cut her lawn and was off to cut two other peoples lawns.
Uncle Morris and Irene will be leaving early, early tomorrow morning . Their flight leaves at 6 am, so the will be up around 3am .
We all went to a fabulous huge nursery today. Uncle Morris was looking for a greenhouse cover which he will use in his garden at home and we went to Poppinjay hotel/restaurant for lunch in the Clyde valley. What beautiful scenery and the restaurant was lovely and we had REAL English fish and chips with tartar sauce and “mushy peas”. We came back to Einors, sat out in her beautiful garden and then had ham and salad for dinner and strawberries for dessert. That was me, the rest of them had trifle. Elinor made three desserts yesterday, Pavlova (I am getting the recipe) trifle and strawberry tarts. She has been kind enough to make something I can eat all the time. Elinor is a great cook and seems to be working all the time. She is a wonderful hostess and our room is actually her bedroom with an ensuite which she had made out of a closet. Fergus (works for the fire dept) is off for 18 days and went for a run, ending at Elinor’s and then cut her lawn and was off to cut two other peoples lawns.
Uncle Morris and Irene will be leaving early, early tomorrow morning . Their flight leaves at 6 am, so the will be up around 3am .
May 21, 2010
Well, we were ready at 1pm and had been planning to leave for Laurie’s at 1:30 so we decided to watch TV for a half hour – after all we have lots of time. So we right, turned onto the 403 and the traffic was Stopped Dead. We were in the Jeep and Joe moved over to the shoulder and backed up all the way to Garner Rd. We found another route and got to Laurie’s in plenty of time. After all that we got to the airport, had a good flight to Heathrow. The TV in the back of the seat in front of us was great. We had our choice of 12 or so movies, 10 TV programs, radio and we could follow our flight. We did really good until about ¾ of the way there and Joe went into a TV program and the screen went blank. Then, sweet guy that he is, he tried it on my screen and so my screen also went blank. The Steward tried to fix them, as well as a number of other ones and finally just didn’t come back. He had no luck and so we had no screen for a while. We couldn’t sleep and arrived a Heathrow pretty tired. It was 1:30 am Canada time and 6: 30 British time. We tried to sleep during our 6 ½ hour wait and both managed an hour of so of sleep. We got our connecting flight to Glasgow which was about one hour and arrived tired but happy in Glasgow where Elinor & Billy were there to meet us. We had a nice dinner and went to bed around 9:30. Next day we felt pretty good. I had a nap and all the family came in the afternoon and we met everyone. Elinor ‘s son Fergus and his wife Fiona and children Isla (adorable 7yr old) and 4 yr old Ross. Then her daughter Tracy arrive with her husband Johnny and three children, Emma 16, Callum 14 and 9 or so.
Well, we were ready at 1pm and had been planning to leave for Laurie’s at 1:30 so we decided to watch TV for a half hour – after all we have lots of time. So we right, turned onto the 403 and the traffic was Stopped Dead. We were in the Jeep and Joe moved over to the shoulder and backed up all the way to Garner Rd. We found another route and got to Laurie’s in plenty of time. After all that we got to the airport, had a good flight to Heathrow. The TV in the back of the seat in front of us was great. We had our choice of 12 or so movies, 10 TV programs, radio and we could follow our flight. We did really good until about ¾ of the way there and Joe went into a TV program and the screen went blank. Then, sweet guy that he is, he tried it on my screen and so my screen also went blank. The Steward tried to fix them, as well as a number of other ones and finally just didn’t come back. He had no luck and so we had no screen for a while. We couldn’t sleep and arrived a Heathrow pretty tired. It was 1:30 am Canada time and 6: 30 British time. We tried to sleep during our 6 ½ hour wait and both managed an hour of so of sleep. We got our connecting flight to Glasgow which was about one hour and arrived tired but happy in Glasgow where Elinor & Billy were there to meet us. We had a nice dinner and went to bed around 9:30. Next day we felt pretty good. I had a nap and all the family came in the afternoon and we met everyone. Elinor ‘s son Fergus and his wife Fiona and children Isla (adorable 7yr old) and 4 yr old Ross. Then her daughter Tracy arrive with her husband Johnny and three children, Emma 16, Callum 14 and 9 or so.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 20, 2010
So, here we are starting out for a new adventure. We fly to London tomorrow. I can hardly believe it is finally here. Keep your fingers crossed that the Iceland volcano does not spew out more ash to prevent us from going. I am so excited and I think Joe is too, but he is more 'cool' about these things than I am. So for now, goodnight.
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