June 18/10
We had a nice breakfast and drove east across by Fort William and stopped to shop at Spean Bridge where we bought a tartan blanket and gifts. We had coffee at a place called “Coffee, Cakes, Clothing and Other Yummy Things” at Laggan Bridge. Elinor bought a cardigan which they the brochure says “will make her appear to be a rich and sexy goatherd!” The shop had a wonderful, one of a kind, selection of knits and other great things. We stopped for lunch at the House of Bruar . This place was huge with lots and lots of clothing and other items. An excellent spot to go back and visit at another time. Another beautiful day driving home in the sunshine.
We have had such a wonderful time in Scotland. It is truly a beautiful country and we can only hope to come back to visit soon. Elinor has been a wonderful hostess and has shown us a really great time. It was great to meet all of her family and her friend Billy , who has been so good to us and a pleasure to be with. We will miss them all when we leave. Thank you Elinor.
Off to the airport tomorrow and home.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Northern Scotland
June 17/10
Off to Glencoe with Elinor and Billy. Left around 9:30 and made our first stop on the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Our second stop was at the Drover’s Inn. What a place! An pub that is over 300 years old, with dust on things, a fire going in the old fireplace, old stone walls and ancient furnis hings. The cubical in the ladies washroom was so small, Bonnie knocked her head on the door lock when using the facilities. A large group of people came into the pub. Some of the men were dressed full Scottish attire with kilts ans knee high socks with a square tag of the tartan of kilts, plus all the accompanying attire . One fellow was in full gear with a fox sporran. I wish we had taken pictures there. We had a coffee and moved on.
We had a picnic lunch at the Clachaig Inn, which is the site where the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in the 1600’s. There is a sign on the door which reads “No Hawkers or Campbells allowed”. Unfortunatley our driver (Billy) is a Campbell, but we didn’t tell on him.
The scenery in the Scottish highlands is absolutely beautiful with rolling hills to high mountains, rivers and lochs, wild flowers, mostly wild rhododendrons, and quaint houses. We stayed at the Ardmore B&B in Ballachoullish. Our suite faced across the loch and gave us a wonderful view of the river and the hills. We all went to dinner at The Holly Tree and had a pre dinner drink on the balcony. The weather was glorious the whole day.
Off to Glencoe with Elinor and Billy. Left around 9:30 and made our first stop on the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Our second stop was at the Drover’s Inn. What a place! An pub that is over 300 years old, with dust on things, a fire going in the old fireplace, old stone walls and ancient furnis hings. The cubical in the ladies washroom was so small, Bonnie knocked her head on the door lock when using the facilities. A large group of people came into the pub. Some of the men were dressed full Scottish attire with kilts ans knee high socks with a square tag of the tartan of kilts, plus all the accompanying attire . One fellow was in full gear with a fox sporran. I wish we had taken pictures there. We had a coffee and moved on.
We had a picnic lunch at the Clachaig Inn, which is the site where the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in the 1600’s. There is a sign on the door which reads “No Hawkers or Campbells allowed”. Unfortunatley our driver (Billy) is a Campbell, but we didn’t tell on him.
The scenery in the Scottish highlands is absolutely beautiful with rolling hills to high mountains, rivers and lochs, wild flowers, mostly wild rhododendrons, and quaint houses. We stayed at the Ardmore B&B in Ballachoullish. Our suite faced across the loch and gave us a wonderful view of the river and the hills. We all went to dinner at The Holly Tree and had a pre dinner drink on the balcony. The weather was glorious the whole day.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Lazy day in East Kilbride
June16/10
Beautiful day in Scotland. We had a leisurely morning and then headed for the mall with Elinor and Billy, Yea! After looking a the shops in the mall, Bonnie bought a nice outfit in Marks and Spencer and then we had lunch in their restaurant. Everyone actually came home with a purchase except poor Joe, ah. Had a nap in the afternoon, another excellent dinner that Elinor prepared and in the evening Bonnie and Elinor went off to visit her aunt Jean. What a lovely lady. She has a beautiful home and garden. Home to watch NCIS and off to bed.
Tomorrow we are it's off to Glencoe about 2or 3 hours north of Glasgow.
Beautiful day in Scotland. We had a leisurely morning and then headed for the mall with Elinor and Billy, Yea! After looking a the shops in the mall, Bonnie bought a nice outfit in Marks and Spencer and then we had lunch in their restaurant. Everyone actually came home with a purchase except poor Joe, ah. Had a nap in the afternoon, another excellent dinner that Elinor prepared and in the evening Bonnie and Elinor went off to visit her aunt Jean. What a lovely lady. She has a beautiful home and garden. Home to watch NCIS and off to bed.
Tomorrow we are it's off to Glencoe about 2or 3 hours north of Glasgow.
Back in Scotland
June 15, 2010
We left the Lake District for a leisurely drive up to East Kilbride (near Glasgow). The 1st part of the drive was quite picturesque, through rolling hills and valleys, along narrow curvy roads and finally onto the motorway. The rest of the route was uneventful until we got about 15 miles from Elinor's house in East Kilbride. The GPS went blank again! Bonnie talked Emily into co-operating and we did arrive in the early afternoon. In time to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Tomorrow its off to the local mall.
We left the Lake District for a leisurely drive up to East Kilbride (near Glasgow). The 1st part of the drive was quite picturesque, through rolling hills and valleys, along narrow curvy roads and finally onto the motorway. The rest of the route was uneventful until we got about 15 miles from Elinor's house in East Kilbride. The GPS went blank again! Bonnie talked Emily into co-operating and we did arrive in the early afternoon. In time to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Tomorrow its off to the local mall.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lake District
June 14/10
We decided on a leisurely day today. Had a big breakfast at the hotel. When you are paying for bed and breakfast, you tend to eat more than usual because you have already paid for it. Then we sat in the "drawing" room and read for a while as the weather was quite gloomy. We decided to go for a drive and ended up in Ambleside, more hilly steets. Came back, parked at the hotel and walked into town. Had lunch, Bonnie did a bit of shopping and Joe had a couple of draughts. Back up to the hotel for a nap, then up again for another walk into town for dinner. We had delicious fish and chips, which were the biggest chips I have ever seen! Huge. Back up mostly uphill to get back to our room which is - up stairs, turn a corner, go through a door, down three steps turn a corner, go through a door down a long corridor, turn up three steps and down two, turn a corner, go through a door, up 16 more steps, turn right - ah, there's our room. I (Bonnie) am exhausted. So much for our leisurely day!
Off to Elinor's tomorrow.
We decided on a leisurely day today. Had a big breakfast at the hotel. When you are paying for bed and breakfast, you tend to eat more than usual because you have already paid for it. Then we sat in the "drawing" room and read for a while as the weather was quite gloomy. We decided to go for a drive and ended up in Ambleside, more hilly steets. Came back, parked at the hotel and walked into town. Had lunch, Bonnie did a bit of shopping and Joe had a couple of draughts. Back up to the hotel for a nap, then up again for another walk into town for dinner. We had delicious fish and chips, which were the biggest chips I have ever seen! Huge. Back up mostly uphill to get back to our room which is - up stairs, turn a corner, go through a door, down three steps turn a corner, go through a door down a long corridor, turn up three steps and down two, turn a corner, go through a door, up 16 more steps, turn right - ah, there's our room. I (Bonnie) am exhausted. So much for our leisurely day!
Off to Elinor's tomorrow.
From Warwick to the Lake District
June 13, 2010
We left Warwick and headed to the Lake District about 200 miles north of Warwick. The motorway was an excellent choice and we made good time. Once we neared the area, the roads suddenly got a lot smaller and a lot more turns and hills to negotiate. We passed through the villages of Windermere and Ambleside on our way to Grasmere. What a picturesque little village Grasmere is, nestled in the hills and lakes of the area. Our hotel is the Swan hotel and is within walking distance of the village. (Yes, uphill and downhill and uphill again!)
In this “neck of the woods” the sun rises at 4:30 in the morning and sets at about 10:30 at night. Makes for a long day but does leave more time to explore the countryside. Everyone here seems to be a hiker and half the shops sell hiking gear. Well our hiking is limited to going from the hotel to the village and back.
We are spending 2 nights here and will continue our exploring of the Lake District tomorrow.
We left Warwick and headed to the Lake District about 200 miles north of Warwick. The motorway was an excellent choice and we made good time. Once we neared the area, the roads suddenly got a lot smaller and a lot more turns and hills to negotiate. We passed through the villages of Windermere and Ambleside on our way to Grasmere. What a picturesque little village Grasmere is, nestled in the hills and lakes of the area. Our hotel is the Swan hotel and is within walking distance of the village. (Yes, uphill and downhill and uphill again!)
In this “neck of the woods” the sun rises at 4:30 in the morning and sets at about 10:30 at night. Makes for a long day but does leave more time to explore the countryside. Everyone here seems to be a hiker and half the shops sell hiking gear. Well our hiking is limited to going from the hotel to the village and back.
We are spending 2 nights here and will continue our exploring of the Lake District tomorrow.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Warwick Castle
June 12/10
A short drive to Warwick today. We had booked a hotel which offered a great deal on tickets for Warwick Castle. Much to our surprise, and pleasure, the castle is just down the road from our hotel. The castle was magnificent! They had re-inactments and a party hosted by the Duke of Warwick and his wife Daisy. They even introduced us when we came into the room as the "Ambassadors from Canada".
Would you believe we spent several hours tonight in an English Pub, that was packed with people by the way, and watched the World Cup game between England and USA! We cheered for England of course, you never know what those wild Englishmen would do to a TRAITOR!!!
Headed back to our hotel for a good nights sleep as we are off to the lake district tomorrow.
A short drive to Warwick today. We had booked a hotel which offered a great deal on tickets for Warwick Castle. Much to our surprise, and pleasure, the castle is just down the road from our hotel. The castle was magnificent! They had re-inactments and a party hosted by the Duke of Warwick and his wife Daisy. They even introduced us when we came into the room as the "Ambassadors from Canada".
Would you believe we spent several hours tonight in an English Pub, that was packed with people by the way, and watched the World Cup game between England and USA! We cheered for England of course, you never know what those wild Englishmen would do to a TRAITOR!!!
Headed back to our hotel for a good nights sleep as we are off to the lake district tomorrow.
Friday, June 11, 2010
From Praze an Beeble to Blenheim Castle
June 11, 2010
Up early for our long trip to Oxford, Woodstock, or Blenheim Palace whatever the GPS (Emily) wants to call it. The weather was comfortable. (that means no rain and not freezing in this country).
We got underway about 7:30 for the 260 mile trek. Well it turns out most of the trip was on the motorway at 70 miles an hour. What a difference from those 6' wide roads in Cornwall. We arrived in Woodstock before noon and headed for Blenheim castle. Blenheim castle is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the current residence of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. A great castle to go through with all the history of Churchill, the paintings and tapestry on all the walls and ceilings.
After trapsing through the castle and listening to a number of videos we felt we knew both Winnie and the Duke. Well the Duke is still alive at least and although we didn't meet him he was on the video.
We decided to spend the night in Woodstock "in the shadow of Blenheim" so we found the Bear Hotel and checked in. As we walked around Woodstock (the local pubs that is) and talked to some locals we realized we checked into the most costly hotel in Woodstock. Oh well, what the hell, it's only pounds.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Warwick castle and have reserved a hotel room only 400 metres from the castle. Should be a good day.
Up early for our long trip to Oxford, Woodstock, or Blenheim Palace whatever the GPS (Emily) wants to call it. The weather was comfortable. (that means no rain and not freezing in this country).
We got underway about 7:30 for the 260 mile trek. Well it turns out most of the trip was on the motorway at 70 miles an hour. What a difference from those 6' wide roads in Cornwall. We arrived in Woodstock before noon and headed for Blenheim castle. Blenheim castle is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the current residence of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. A great castle to go through with all the history of Churchill, the paintings and tapestry on all the walls and ceilings.
After trapsing through the castle and listening to a number of videos we felt we knew both Winnie and the Duke. Well the Duke is still alive at least and although we didn't meet him he was on the video.
We decided to spend the night in Woodstock "in the shadow of Blenheim" so we found the Bear Hotel and checked in. As we walked around Woodstock (the local pubs that is) and talked to some locals we realized we checked into the most costly hotel in Woodstock. Oh well, what the hell, it's only pounds.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Warwick castle and have reserved a hotel room only 400 metres from the castle. Should be a good day.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A visit to Falmouth
June 10, 2010
Up early (well 8:30) for our trip to the coastal town of Falmouth. Parking is a premium in these towns and they prefer you not drive into town, so we hit the "park and float" lot about 3 miles from the town centre. Of course we were there at 9:15 and the 1st boat left at 10:00.
What to do for 45 minutes? Of course we hit the local McDonalds for a coffee.
We took the boat into Falmouth and walked around town for a while until we discovered a hop on, hop off van that ran all over town and only cost 1 pound. A lot easier way to see the town and saves on shoe leather.
Next place to see in town was Pendennis Castle. This was built by Henry VIII to defend the southwest end of England. A couple of people told us it was only a 10 minute walk from our location so we headed off. Well I doubt any of those folks have ever walked to Pendennis castle. It's about a 45 minute walk UPHILL all the way. Well we finally made it to the castle, had a cup of tea, explored the castle, took some pictures and headed back down the mountain for lunch. Ploughman's lunch for Joe and a 5 lb baked potato with chili sauce for Bonnie.
Back on the boat to come back to Praze an Beeble, along the paths that they call roads over here, to do, of all things, laundry.
We decided to leave tomorrow morning instead of Saturday so we would have time to see Blenheim Palace which we believe may be near Oxford.
Up early (well 8:30) for our trip to the coastal town of Falmouth. Parking is a premium in these towns and they prefer you not drive into town, so we hit the "park and float" lot about 3 miles from the town centre. Of course we were there at 9:15 and the 1st boat left at 10:00.
What to do for 45 minutes? Of course we hit the local McDonalds for a coffee.
We took the boat into Falmouth and walked around town for a while until we discovered a hop on, hop off van that ran all over town and only cost 1 pound. A lot easier way to see the town and saves on shoe leather.
Next place to see in town was Pendennis Castle. This was built by Henry VIII to defend the southwest end of England. A couple of people told us it was only a 10 minute walk from our location so we headed off. Well I doubt any of those folks have ever walked to Pendennis castle. It's about a 45 minute walk UPHILL all the way. Well we finally made it to the castle, had a cup of tea, explored the castle, took some pictures and headed back down the mountain for lunch. Ploughman's lunch for Joe and a 5 lb baked potato with chili sauce for Bonnie.
Back on the boat to come back to Praze an Beeble, along the paths that they call roads over here, to do, of all things, laundry.
We decided to leave tomorrow morning instead of Saturday so we would have time to see Blenheim Palace which we believe may be near Oxford.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Shopping in Truro
June 9, 2010
Tuesday night Jazz Band was excellent. Four elder gentlemen who played trumpet, bass, guitars, keyboards and even a banjo. They entertained for 2 hours. Great night.
Wednesday started off real well. It was Joe's birthday and the sun was shining. Wow!!!
And what did we do today? We went shopping in Truro, a city about 20 miles from our location in Praze an Beeble.
Of course it took about an hour and a half to get there on these Cornish roads.
There were many and varied shops in the town and we spent a few hours browsing and making a couple of small purchases.
Lunch was a "ploughman's special" at the local Ale house. It was delicious.
Arrived back in time for happy hour and probably a trip to the hall tonight where the entertainment is "a superb vocal impressionist/comedian" whatever that may be.
Tuesday night Jazz Band was excellent. Four elder gentlemen who played trumpet, bass, guitars, keyboards and even a banjo. They entertained for 2 hours. Great night.
Wednesday started off real well. It was Joe's birthday and the sun was shining. Wow!!!
And what did we do today? We went shopping in Truro, a city about 20 miles from our location in Praze an Beeble.
Of course it took about an hour and a half to get there on these Cornish roads.
There were many and varied shops in the town and we spent a few hours browsing and making a couple of small purchases.
Lunch was a "ploughman's special" at the local Ale house. It was delicious.
Arrived back in time for happy hour and probably a trip to the hall tonight where the entertainment is "a superb vocal impressionist/comedian" whatever that may be.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
From St Ives to Land's End to Penzance
June 8, 2010
What a day! We got up early and headed to St Ives. We never did see the man with 7 wives and 7 sacks etc. We headed for the park and ride as everyone said you should not drive in St Ives. At the park and ride (about 3 miles from St Ives) we caught the train to the centre of St Ives. There we has breakfast and walked all over the town, the beach and into the many shops. Of course we had Cornsh pasties for lunch. What a beautiful part of England. The beaches go on forever.
We took the train back to the car and headed for Land's End. Of course there was plenty of those paths that they call roads over here to negotiate but we did make it to Land's End.
It was not too cold so we walked out to the point, took some pictures and had a "spot of tea".
On the way back to Praze an Beeble we went through the coastal town of Penzance. Again, plenty of great views and lots of shops but we just "drove through" the town and looked around.
We had to be back to rest up for the steak dinner tonight followed by a Jazz Band entertainment tonight. (You should be here Dan, this sounds like your kind of night).
What a day! We got up early and headed to St Ives. We never did see the man with 7 wives and 7 sacks etc. We headed for the park and ride as everyone said you should not drive in St Ives. At the park and ride (about 3 miles from St Ives) we caught the train to the centre of St Ives. There we has breakfast and walked all over the town, the beach and into the many shops. Of course we had Cornsh pasties for lunch. What a beautiful part of England. The beaches go on forever.
We took the train back to the car and headed for Land's End. Of course there was plenty of those paths that they call roads over here to negotiate but we did make it to Land's End.
It was not too cold so we walked out to the point, took some pictures and had a "spot of tea".
On the way back to Praze an Beeble we went through the coastal town of Penzance. Again, plenty of great views and lots of shops but we just "drove through" the town and looked around.
We had to be back to rest up for the steak dinner tonight followed by a Jazz Band entertainment tonight. (You should be here Dan, this sounds like your kind of night).
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tintagel
June 7/10
Drizzle and rain today. But, troopers that we are, we set off anyway to go to Tintagel Castle. OMG what a drive! Over 4 lane roads, 2 lane roads, narrow 2 lane roads and finally one lane roads, but with two way traffic! Our side mirrors were touching bushes on both sides of the road and cars were coming the other way towards us! Joe's expert maneuvering and that of some other drivers got us there safe and sound. Whew!
We couldn't get right up to the castle, which was mostly ruins anyway, because there were hundreds of steps. We managed to find a road out to the coast line and got pictures, had lunch in a quaint little pub, visited the many shops and returned through the rain.
A great day, all in all.
Drizzle and rain today. But, troopers that we are, we set off anyway to go to Tintagel Castle. OMG what a drive! Over 4 lane roads, 2 lane roads, narrow 2 lane roads and finally one lane roads, but with two way traffic! Our side mirrors were touching bushes on both sides of the road and cars were coming the other way towards us! Joe's expert maneuvering and that of some other drivers got us there safe and sound. Whew!
We couldn't get right up to the castle, which was mostly ruins anyway, because there were hundreds of steps. We managed to find a road out to the coast line and got pictures, had lunch in a quaint little pub, visited the many shops and returned through the rain.
A great day, all in all.
Lazy Day
June 6/10
Lazy day at Clowance Estate and Country Club. We wandered around the property, which is gorgeous, did some laundry and went to see Paul McGahan and have a jug of Pimm's at Your Bar in the evening. Paul is a singer/entertainer and quite good. That was it!
Lazy day at Clowance Estate and Country Club. We wandered around the property, which is gorgeous, did some laundry and went to see Paul McGahan and have a jug of Pimm's at Your Bar in the evening. Paul is a singer/entertainer and quite good. That was it!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Bath to Cornwall
June 5/10
Who would have ever thought we would be spending a week in Plaze-an-Beeble!! That's where we are in Cornwall. While driving from Bath on the A30, we stopped at a service center (they have everything, stores, restaurants and even a hotel). When we got back on the road our sweet Emily kept telling us to make a U turn. We thought she'd gone crazy! Until we realized that we had got on the A30 going THE WRONG WAY!! Poor Emily, we will never doubt you again. She got us back on the straight and narrow. And I mean NARROW. The road from Camborne to Praze-an-Beelbe was so narrow that, Bonnie kept thinking we would hit the wall on her side and Joe thought he was going to hit the passing vehicles on his side. What a ride. Relaxing tonight, washing tomorrow. Great area, lots to do.
Good bye.
Who would have ever thought we would be spending a week in Plaze-an-Beeble!! That's where we are in Cornwall. While driving from Bath on the A30, we stopped at a service center (they have everything, stores, restaurants and even a hotel). When we got back on the road our sweet Emily kept telling us to make a U turn. We thought she'd gone crazy! Until we realized that we had got on the A30 going THE WRONG WAY!! Poor Emily, we will never doubt you again. She got us back on the straight and narrow. And I mean NARROW. The road from Camborne to Praze-an-Beelbe was so narrow that, Bonnie kept thinking we would hit the wall on her side and Joe thought he was going to hit the passing vehicles on his side. What a ride. Relaxing tonight, washing tomorrow. Great area, lots to do.
Good bye.
Friday, June 4, 2010
From London to Bath
June 4/10
Another beautiful day! High of 30 Celsius in Bath today, where we are spending the afternoon and night. More crowds but apparently it is a special music weekend. We were lucky to get the last room in the Abbey Hotel in the centre of the town.
It did take us an hour and a half to get out of the London area, and we only went 12 miles!! So much traffic, but we did see a lot of the suburbs with mostly row housing and some lovely gardens and of course lots of little pubs. Then we were on Motorway 4 and it was smooth sailing from there. One reason it was easy driving was that we got Emily fixed up with a new connector. She is working so good we may change her name to Bonnie. So far we have both side mirrors still on the car so I guess we are doing OK on the roads. However these damn drivers keep expecting us to drive on the left side of the road.
We took the Hop On Hop Off city tour on a double decker bus. Bath is quite an interesting place. When Queen Victoria came here, someone said she had fat ankles, so she never came back and would make everyone pull their curtains to block out Bath when travelling past it on the train. There are Roman baths here that are mineral baths and are said to be very healing. The story goes that a young man got a terrible rash with scabs etc and was diagnosed with leprosy. He had to leave his town and went out in the fields to herd pigs and realized that they had the same skin ailment. One day there was an area of wet mud that the pigs rolled in and it got rid of the rash. He thought, well, it if it is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me and went into the mud bath until his skin cleared up. Hence the healing baths started. We quickly headed for these wonderful baths and were all set to dive in and heal all our ailments. The guy at the door said “Where the hell are your bathing trunks?” Oops, we nipped out of there in a hurry as there apparently is no nude bathing.
Off to Cornwall tomorrow.
Another beautiful day! High of 30 Celsius in Bath today, where we are spending the afternoon and night. More crowds but apparently it is a special music weekend. We were lucky to get the last room in the Abbey Hotel in the centre of the town.
It did take us an hour and a half to get out of the London area, and we only went 12 miles!! So much traffic, but we did see a lot of the suburbs with mostly row housing and some lovely gardens and of course lots of little pubs. Then we were on Motorway 4 and it was smooth sailing from there. One reason it was easy driving was that we got Emily fixed up with a new connector. She is working so good we may change her name to Bonnie. So far we have both side mirrors still on the car so I guess we are doing OK on the roads. However these damn drivers keep expecting us to drive on the left side of the road.
We took the Hop On Hop Off city tour on a double decker bus. Bath is quite an interesting place. When Queen Victoria came here, someone said she had fat ankles, so she never came back and would make everyone pull their curtains to block out Bath when travelling past it on the train. There are Roman baths here that are mineral baths and are said to be very healing. The story goes that a young man got a terrible rash with scabs etc and was diagnosed with leprosy. He had to leave his town and went out in the fields to herd pigs and realized that they had the same skin ailment. One day there was an area of wet mud that the pigs rolled in and it got rid of the rash. He thought, well, it if it is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me and went into the mud bath until his skin cleared up. Hence the healing baths started. We quickly headed for these wonderful baths and were all set to dive in and heal all our ailments. The guy at the door said “Where the hell are your bathing trunks?” Oops, we nipped out of there in a hurry as there apparently is no nude bathing.
Off to Cornwall tomorrow.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, June 3/10
Headed back into London. We took the early train and got the bus to Westminster Abby and were there by 9:30 when it opens. What a fascinating place. We were so impressed, and spent an hour there. They have a commentary for you to listen to as you go through it. We left there and walked through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We were 3/4 of an hour early and already the whole area was packed with people. No hope of getting an upclose view, but the pagentry was great and Joe got some pictures.
We then walked through Hyde Park to Hyde Park Station and took the bus to Herrod's.
Ok, feet are getting sore now, with all that walking and standing about. We had a bite to eat and a drink in one of the 28 cafe/restaurants in Harrods. I had hungarian goulash with a roll and glass of wine and Joe had a salad and a beer. (No class there!) Class!!! at $10.00 for a beer and $15.00 for a glass of wine who can afford class? Bonnie roamed around Harrods looking at all the outrageously expensive items and Joe went to a pub. A much better decision actually.
Took two buses to the Tower of London, had a spot of tea and took some pictures. Back "on the buses" through traffic jams to make our way to Victoria Station to catch the train back to our hotel. Now, having a Stella Artois and a Pimms (Mr. Parnell!)
Happy birthday wishes to Laurie.
Heading west tomorrow morning and if Emily (our GPS) cooperates we will get out of London.
Headed back into London. We took the early train and got the bus to Westminster Abby and were there by 9:30 when it opens. What a fascinating place. We were so impressed, and spent an hour there. They have a commentary for you to listen to as you go through it. We left there and walked through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We were 3/4 of an hour early and already the whole area was packed with people. No hope of getting an upclose view, but the pagentry was great and Joe got some pictures.
We then walked through Hyde Park to Hyde Park Station and took the bus to Herrod's.
Ok, feet are getting sore now, with all that walking and standing about. We had a bite to eat and a drink in one of the 28 cafe/restaurants in Harrods. I had hungarian goulash with a roll and glass of wine and Joe had a salad and a beer. (No class there!) Class!!! at $10.00 for a beer and $15.00 for a glass of wine who can afford class? Bonnie roamed around Harrods looking at all the outrageously expensive items and Joe went to a pub. A much better decision actually.
Took two buses to the Tower of London, had a spot of tea and took some pictures. Back "on the buses" through traffic jams to make our way to Victoria Station to catch the train back to our hotel. Now, having a Stella Artois and a Pimms (Mr. Parnell!)
Happy birthday wishes to Laurie.
Heading west tomorrow morning and if Emily (our GPS) cooperates we will get out of London.
Our first day in London
June 2, 2010
A great day in London.
We took the train from East Croydon to Victoria Station. Train ride was about 20 minutes and quite smooth. Time to board the bus for a tour of London. Our bus of choice was the 2 decker “Original Tour Bus”. This is a hop on hop off tour around London. We opted for the upper deck as the sun was shining and the temp was near 20.
As we went around we saw all the main attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square plus a number of others. Of course all this viewing was from the comfort of the top deck of the bus. The full trip takes a little over 2 hours. On our second trip around we hopped off at Piccadilly Circus. They told us if you hang around here for 37 minutes you will see someone you know. Well an hour later we had not seen anyone we knew even though there were 14 million people wandering around. We bought tickets to see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre for 7:30 that night.
We walked over to Trafalgar Square took pictures of Bonnie with the elephants (there are a number of painted elephants throughout the city) and found a good pub for dinner. Fish and Chips again. After more wandering through crowds of people and massive traffic jams, we finally found our way to The Prince Edward Theatre. The show was wonderful. Ended about 10:30, so we thought we would catch the regular bus back to Victoria Station. That would be bus #38. Walking through the theatre district we were amazed at the number of cafes and pubs open and the large crowds of people in the area. We found our bus, got to Victoria Station and arrived back in Croydon near 11:30.
Now for some rest to prepare for another assault tomorrow.
A great day in London.
We took the train from East Croydon to Victoria Station. Train ride was about 20 minutes and quite smooth. Time to board the bus for a tour of London. Our bus of choice was the 2 decker “Original Tour Bus”. This is a hop on hop off tour around London. We opted for the upper deck as the sun was shining and the temp was near 20.
As we went around we saw all the main attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square plus a number of others. Of course all this viewing was from the comfort of the top deck of the bus. The full trip takes a little over 2 hours. On our second trip around we hopped off at Piccadilly Circus. They told us if you hang around here for 37 minutes you will see someone you know. Well an hour later we had not seen anyone we knew even though there were 14 million people wandering around. We bought tickets to see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre for 7:30 that night.
We walked over to Trafalgar Square took pictures of Bonnie with the elephants (there are a number of painted elephants throughout the city) and found a good pub for dinner. Fish and Chips again. After more wandering through crowds of people and massive traffic jams, we finally found our way to The Prince Edward Theatre. The show was wonderful. Ended about 10:30, so we thought we would catch the regular bus back to Victoria Station. That would be bus #38. Walking through the theatre district we were amazed at the number of cafes and pubs open and the large crowds of people in the area. We found our bus, got to Victoria Station and arrived back in Croydon near 11:30.
Now for some rest to prepare for another assault tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Arrived in London (Croydon)
June 1/10
NEW DAY, NEW PROBLEMS
This morning around 10am we found the Jury Hotel in Croydon (south of London) in the rain. Emily died just as we got here. She keeps running out of power, we think the plug in in the car is not working. Joe is charging her now (not what you think).
Nice luxurious hotel. We will stay here until June 4th and try to hit all the highlites in London.
Got our room, plugged into the internet (6 pounds a day), but it didn't work. We called the front desk from our room and they came up but couldn't figure out why. Then maintenance came up and tried and could get it working. We tried to call the desk again and the phone was not working! We just called on it 20 minutes ago! Is it us? We took the computer down to the desk and the nice lady gave us free WiFi internet for 24 hours (down in the bar, of all place!) Had to have a drink (Pimms and Stella Artois of course) and a bite while we are there.
We will check out the train station this afternoon to figure out how to get to downtown London via the train and tube.
We checked out the train to London. No problems with that. We got our maps, brochures and are planning an assault on London tomorrow morning. The sightseeing bus will be our 1st stop and that will tour London and then we will decide the sights to visit.
Hopefully we will have more tomorrow if we survive London.
NEW DAY, NEW PROBLEMS
This morning around 10am we found the Jury Hotel in Croydon (south of London) in the rain. Emily died just as we got here. She keeps running out of power, we think the plug in in the car is not working. Joe is charging her now (not what you think).
Nice luxurious hotel. We will stay here until June 4th and try to hit all the highlites in London.
Got our room, plugged into the internet (6 pounds a day), but it didn't work. We called the front desk from our room and they came up but couldn't figure out why. Then maintenance came up and tried and could get it working. We tried to call the desk again and the phone was not working! We just called on it 20 minutes ago! Is it us? We took the computer down to the desk and the nice lady gave us free WiFi internet for 24 hours (down in the bar, of all place!) Had to have a drink (Pimms and Stella Artois of course) and a bite while we are there.
We will check out the train station this afternoon to figure out how to get to downtown London via the train and tube.
We checked out the train to London. No problems with that. We got our maps, brochures and are planning an assault on London tomorrow morning. The sightseeing bus will be our 1st stop and that will tour London and then we will decide the sights to visit.
Hopefully we will have more tomorrow if we survive London.
Trouble in Paradise!!!!
May 31/10
FOILED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN – and on my birthday too.
Our first mistake was deciding to go to Southend on the Sea to see the town where Peggy White (Larry’s mother) lived. Big air show on today. Stop and go traffic getting in, no parking spaces when we did get in and people and cars everywhere!
So we decided to go on to one of the other seafront towns along the way – no –all busy too.
So we thought we would head London way and go to Basildon. We just got on our way and Emily decided to have temper tantrum and went on strike. NO GPS – NO KNOW HOW TO GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT EMILY. We did have a backup paper GPS however, (a map) but that did us no good at all. When we got to the next round about, and they were every ½ mile or so, we had no idea where to go. Sweet Emily also had the only compass on it.
We tried everything we could think of to get her working and Bonnie (she’s so smart) suggested that maybe it was the fuse in the connector. Joe (in his wisdom) found some foil paper in a discarded cigarette package and wrapped it around the fuse. EMILY worked! For a minute and then stopped again. After going to a number of stores looking a fuse, or maybe it was something wrong with the car??? Bonnie had been playing with all the buttons. Finally a lad in Staples sent us to an electrical shop and we got, not one, but 10 fuses because that’s how they sell them. Oh well, we have enough now to last us and Jim (Emily is his) a lifetime. Put the new fuse in, Emily worked like a charm, for two minutes! Put another fuse in – worked for another two minutes. Joe suggested the tried and true foil wrap again and it worked, but low and behold I could smell smoke. Took the fuse out and it was burning hot!!! Finally we tried another fuse and it worked fine, so far thank goodness.
Now we just had to find a Hotel. Got booked into the Holiday Inn and we are now both having a BIG drink! Large Stella Artois for Joe and a “Pimms , Mr. Parnell?” for Bonnie. Other than that and the drizzle, a fine day was had by all.
Off to the Jury Inn in Croydon tomorrow, which is about 20 minutes south of London, for three nights.
FOILED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN – and on my birthday too.
Our first mistake was deciding to go to Southend on the Sea to see the town where Peggy White (Larry’s mother) lived. Big air show on today. Stop and go traffic getting in, no parking spaces when we did get in and people and cars everywhere!
So we decided to go on to one of the other seafront towns along the way – no –all busy too.
So we thought we would head London way and go to Basildon. We just got on our way and Emily decided to have temper tantrum and went on strike. NO GPS – NO KNOW HOW TO GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT EMILY. We did have a backup paper GPS however, (a map) but that did us no good at all. When we got to the next round about, and they were every ½ mile or so, we had no idea where to go. Sweet Emily also had the only compass on it.
We tried everything we could think of to get her working and Bonnie (she’s so smart) suggested that maybe it was the fuse in the connector. Joe (in his wisdom) found some foil paper in a discarded cigarette package and wrapped it around the fuse. EMILY worked! For a minute and then stopped again. After going to a number of stores looking a fuse, or maybe it was something wrong with the car??? Bonnie had been playing with all the buttons. Finally a lad in Staples sent us to an electrical shop and we got, not one, but 10 fuses because that’s how they sell them. Oh well, we have enough now to last us and Jim (Emily is his) a lifetime. Put the new fuse in, Emily worked like a charm, for two minutes! Put another fuse in – worked for another two minutes. Joe suggested the tried and true foil wrap again and it worked, but low and behold I could smell smoke. Took the fuse out and it was burning hot!!! Finally we tried another fuse and it worked fine, so far thank goodness.
Now we just had to find a Hotel. Got booked into the Holiday Inn and we are now both having a BIG drink! Large Stella Artois for Joe and a “Pimms , Mr. Parnell?” for Bonnie. Other than that and the drizzle, a fine day was had by all.
Off to the Jury Inn in Croydon tomorrow, which is about 20 minutes south of London, for three nights.
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