We started out again this morning around 9.15 again and walked down to the river to have a walk along and to get the first boat cruise on the Ouse River. Lots of geese around and boy do they make a mess! A few partygoers from the previous evening also left a huge mess and cigarette butts galore.
We got the cruise and it was ok but a bit like one earlier in our trip a bit disappointing.
We both weren't up for doing a lot today but we had the day to fill in. We walked a bit of the city wall, had lunch at a chinese buffet, had another walk along the other side of the river and sat for a while. Then we walked again and ended up near York Minster and the bells were ringing, and ringing, and ringing............................
We then went to the Treasurers house and finally got back at 4pm.
In some ways we would be happy to be heading to London this week but we have another week to go.
We are heading off to Derby to meet up with Owen's cousin on his dad's side. They work but we are hoping to catch up over a couple of nights.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday 27th June 09
Well today we started off at 9.15 to walk to the National Rail Museum. It didn't open until 10 and we had about a 20min wait. We chatted to a couple who are english but have retired to Cypress. They said they couldn't live in England on the pension and they are living it up and loving it in Cypress. They retired there 8 years ago.
The National Rail museum was free to get into, which amazed us, until we found out later that the current government made all national museums free.
It was an amazing collection of engines, carriages, working vehicles and heaps of other "stuff" that was part of the railways.
We left there after 3 1/2 hours. Quite tired and it was extremely humid. We then went to a Quilt Museum which we had found yesterday. It was a bit disappointing. We then found a model railway which was very good and we sat at the station to do some train spotting.
We thought of going to Scarborough but it was quite expensive.
We then found a nice old pub to have dinner and ended up being entertained by a group who were there for a Hen's night and they all had pink feather boas and tiaras. Finally arrived home, exhausted around 7pm.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday 26th June 09
Hi all,
We didn't sleep as well as we had hoped with the aircon on. We left Newcastle around 9am and headed for Blackhall Mill about 30mins away to find a Patchword and Quilting shop.
It didn't open till ten but hubby knew I was determined. It was called the Fat Quarters shop. She had quite a bit of fabric and prices not too bad, but after talking to her found out that there is no material made at all in England now and shops are few and far between.
They do a lot of internet sales and from overseas as well. So I didn't buy much.
Then we headed off to Durham. It is another historical town and has a rather large Cathedral. We did go to the Cathedral but decided not to explore any further as it had started to rain again. We then headed south towards York but found that a sea mist had rolled in and we couldn't see much of anything.
We arrived in York and found our B&B about 2pm. Again we were taken to the top floor although this time the room was lovely and bigger. I made some comment about lugging cases upstairs and she said she did have another on the ground floor but it wasn't as nice.
When we saw it, we both said it was fine. So for 3 nights, no stairs. Ye!!
We had a cuppa and then walked into the walled area and got on the Hop on Hop off bus. It was a good way to get a feel and get our bearings. It is quite some place, York. We then got off and walked a lot of the town,had some fish and chips for dinner and then walked back to our abode.
We didn't sleep as well as we had hoped with the aircon on. We left Newcastle around 9am and headed for Blackhall Mill about 30mins away to find a Patchword and Quilting shop.
It didn't open till ten but hubby knew I was determined. It was called the Fat Quarters shop. She had quite a bit of fabric and prices not too bad, but after talking to her found out that there is no material made at all in England now and shops are few and far between.
They do a lot of internet sales and from overseas as well. So I didn't buy much.
Then we headed off to Durham. It is another historical town and has a rather large Cathedral. We did go to the Cathedral but decided not to explore any further as it had started to rain again. We then headed south towards York but found that a sea mist had rolled in and we couldn't see much of anything.
We arrived in York and found our B&B about 2pm. Again we were taken to the top floor although this time the room was lovely and bigger. I made some comment about lugging cases upstairs and she said she did have another on the ground floor but it wasn't as nice.
When we saw it, we both said it was fine. So for 3 nights, no stairs. Ye!!
We had a cuppa and then walked into the walled area and got on the Hop on Hop off bus. It was a good way to get a feel and get our bearings. It is quite some place, York. We then got off and walked a lot of the town,had some fish and chips for dinner and then walked back to our abode.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday 25th June09
Well, we didn't sleep as well as we had hoped as it was a bit warm. Sleeping with the aircon on tonight.
We walked up to the Central Station this morning to get the hop on hop off bus at 10.30. We went up some steps to the next street, only 140 of them. Eight pound (each)it takes approx an hour. Was good and we got off at the Newcastle Keep to walk up more steps to the top, and more to the lower levels but great view. We then hopped on the bus again and went into the main shopping area to get some money and then walked downhill back towards our hotel. We stopped for a late lunch of pizza and went to a English Heritage place two doors away from our hotel.
We stayed in and both had a little snooze and decided that we wouldn't bother with any dinner, so stayed in and wait for it kids ...................watched "The Bill". I can hear you all groaning now!
Anyway must let you know it takes quite a while sitting at the computer to put up pics so don't expect heaps.
Hope all is well with all who are reading this. We move on to York tomorrow for 3 nights.
Night Night
We walked up to the Central Station this morning to get the hop on hop off bus at 10.30. We went up some steps to the next street, only 140 of them. Eight pound (each)it takes approx an hour. Was good and we got off at the Newcastle Keep to walk up more steps to the top, and more to the lower levels but great view. We then hopped on the bus again and went into the main shopping area to get some money and then walked downhill back towards our hotel. We stopped for a late lunch of pizza and went to a English Heritage place two doors away from our hotel.
We stayed in and both had a little snooze and decided that we wouldn't bother with any dinner, so stayed in and wait for it kids ...................watched "The Bill". I can hear you all groaning now!
Anyway must let you know it takes quite a while sitting at the computer to put up pics so don't expect heaps.
Hope all is well with all who are reading this. We move on to York tomorrow for 3 nights.
Night Night
Hopefully some pics!
These are only up to approx 9th June
Hope you are able to view them
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/tonca124/DayOneTheManorAndHorsham?authkey=Gv1sRgCKbchoKrg8SdswE#
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/tonca124/Hampton?authkey=Gv1sRgCM2xjZHHi93n_AE#
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday 24th June 09
Well after lots of chatting at the breakfast table this morning we finally got away at about 10.15 and headed for Melrose Abbey. We thought it was the one used in the Da Vinci code but found out afterwards it wasn't but was interesting anyway.
We then headed into Newcastle Upon Tyne where we decided to stay in the city along the quayside. Our first room had no aircon and was stifling and they shifted us to a bigger room but with twin beds again but with aircon. Much much better
We relaxed for a while then went out to the promenade to have a look. There is a bridge like Sydney harbour bridge (not at long), a swing bridge, a railway bridge and another bridge all within 1/2 mile. Then there is a milenium swing bridge as well which is just for pedestrians and it swings out of the way to allow larger boats through on the river. The boats have to apply to the port so they can schedule it. (found that out from the guy who shuts the gates to the bridge)
We walked a bit longer and then stopped for dinner and back to our room. Where there is decent internet, free, and decent tv and hopefully the beds are ok.
Still having problems trying to get the correct link for some photos but might manage it before we come home.(maybe) Stew is very frustrated that I can't seem to get it right.
Oh well.
We then headed into Newcastle Upon Tyne where we decided to stay in the city along the quayside. Our first room had no aircon and was stifling and they shifted us to a bigger room but with twin beds again but with aircon. Much much better
We relaxed for a while then went out to the promenade to have a look. There is a bridge like Sydney harbour bridge (not at long), a swing bridge, a railway bridge and another bridge all within 1/2 mile. Then there is a milenium swing bridge as well which is just for pedestrians and it swings out of the way to allow larger boats through on the river. The boats have to apply to the port so they can schedule it. (found that out from the guy who shuts the gates to the bridge)
We walked a bit longer and then stopped for dinner and back to our room. Where there is decent internet, free, and decent tv and hopefully the beds are ok.
Still having problems trying to get the correct link for some photos but might manage it before we come home.(maybe) Stew is very frustrated that I can't seem to get it right.
Oh well.
Tuesday 23rd June 09
Well after our long day we slept well and had a leisurely breakfast and met an american couple and a couple from the Isle of Man. We had lots of friendly chat and then we all went our own way. We headed to the Falkirk Wheel again and it was a glorious and warm day. We had to wait for the 11.50 trip but was good. All up it takes an hour, but only 8 mins of that hour is actually the wheel moving.
After that we went to find a little village called Culross that Moira had told us about and it was tucked away on it's own and if we hadn't been told about it then there is no way we would have known about it.
Anyway a nice day and relaxing. We bought some sandwiches to have for dinner and we enjoyed them out in the garden of where we were staying.
After that we went to find a little village called Culross that Moira had told us about and it was tucked away on it's own and if we hadn't been told about it then there is no way we would have known about it.
Anyway a nice day and relaxing. We bought some sandwiches to have for dinner and we enjoyed them out in the garden of where we were staying.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday 22nd June 09
We headed off today towards Loch Lomond. Couldn't see heaps of the Loch from the road, stopped in couple of places. We then travelled further west beside Ben Nevin(the highest mountain in Britain) but weren't able to see a lot as the cloud was very low. We also had some rain. Then we came down and travelled beside the water to Fort Williams where we stopped for lunch. The clouds were still hanging around and we had light rain.
We decided to do a really big trip and go up to Inverness and then back down. Don't think we realised quite how long it would be but we decided to stay another night in our accomodation so we will have a rest day tomorrow. On the way we stopped to have a look at Urqhart Castle - a ruin. It rained quite a bit harder here so we got a litte wet.
We arrived at Inverness at peak hour and didn't see as much as we would have liked as we had a long drive back.
We came back on the main highway and it was a great road. As we came down there were some lovely valleys with streams winding through and charming villages and houses.
We are glad we saw the Highlands but we want a relax day tomorrow. We are going to go back to the Falkirk Wheel, 10 mins up the road, to have a ride on it and also have a bit of a look around the farm we are on.
We are not going to go to Ireland as we feel we would just be rushing everything too much and we don't want to come home totally wrecked.
We are happy to stay on the mainland and see a bit more of that.
We will head back down into England on Wednesday
We decided to do a really big trip and go up to Inverness and then back down. Don't think we realised quite how long it would be but we decided to stay another night in our accomodation so we will have a rest day tomorrow. On the way we stopped to have a look at Urqhart Castle - a ruin. It rained quite a bit harder here so we got a litte wet.
We arrived at Inverness at peak hour and didn't see as much as we would have liked as we had a long drive back.
We came back on the main highway and it was a great road. As we came down there were some lovely valleys with streams winding through and charming villages and houses.
We are glad we saw the Highlands but we want a relax day tomorrow. We are going to go back to the Falkirk Wheel, 10 mins up the road, to have a ride on it and also have a bit of a look around the farm we are on.
We are not going to go to Ireland as we feel we would just be rushing everything too much and we don't want to come home totally wrecked.
We are happy to stay on the mainland and see a bit more of that.
We will head back down into England on Wednesday
Pics
We have taken heaps of pics and it takes a while to upload plus to do so we need good internet access. Here is the link. I hope it works. It should be the first 3 albums you will see. I haven't had time to put a caption to all.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/home
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/home
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday 21st June 09
The longest day over here and also Father's day.
We had a chat with a couple of ladies over breakfast and then headed to Edinburgh. We did a side track to the Forth and Firth bridges. Quite impressive. We travelled over the younger bridge but the other is a rail bridge only. Don't think it will fall down in a hurry.
We then went in to Edinburgh and found ourselves at the bottom of the castle. So up we went and the walk wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Lots of buses and people. The queue to go in was very very long but then I remembered they said if we had the heritage pass we wouldn't have to queue so found where to go and sure enough no waiting.
The castle is more like a fortress built high up and can be seen for miles. We spent quite a bit of time there and then we discovered the hop on hop off bus was nearby so "hopped on" Not cheap but a good way to see the city especially for Owen. Then after doing the whole circuit we got back to the car. We then travelled to the east towards North Berwick. Some lovely big homes and some more ruins and then back to our base for dinner.
We had a chat with a couple of ladies over breakfast and then headed to Edinburgh. We did a side track to the Forth and Firth bridges. Quite impressive. We travelled over the younger bridge but the other is a rail bridge only. Don't think it will fall down in a hurry.
We then went in to Edinburgh and found ourselves at the bottom of the castle. So up we went and the walk wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Lots of buses and people. The queue to go in was very very long but then I remembered they said if we had the heritage pass we wouldn't have to queue so found where to go and sure enough no waiting.
The castle is more like a fortress built high up and can be seen for miles. We spent quite a bit of time there and then we discovered the hop on hop off bus was nearby so "hopped on" Not cheap but a good way to see the city especially for Owen. Then after doing the whole circuit we got back to the car. We then travelled to the east towards North Berwick. Some lovely big homes and some more ruins and then back to our base for dinner.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday 20th June 09
Well after a good nights sleep, a nice brekky and long chat to Moira we eventually got away around 10.30am. Went to a Laundrette where they will wash, dry and iron your clothes for you. Had to be back around 3pm to pick up. We went into Stirling and to the castle. It is built high up on a hill and is in a great position. We did the audio tour and then back down to the entrance to go to Argyle house which had been set up according to inventories from the 1680’s. Unfortunately the palace at the castle is under renovation so we were unable to see that. Had some rain again this morning but although cloudy and threatening it stopped for the afternoon.
We had a late lunch at a restaurant just opposite Argyle house and then off to find the Falkirk Wheel.
Amazing. Quite an achievement of engineering and interesting to watch.
http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/
Went to find some fish and chips for dinner and then came back and sat in the gardens to eat them. Having a restful evening at “home”
Friday 19th June 09
We headed off around 9am to enter into Scotland. After doing so we turned left to go through Dumfries, across to Ayr then to Irvine where we stopped at at Marine Museum. It was ok but better for Owen as it had heaps of big machinery and he enjoyed that. We then went to Greenock and we followed the coast up to there. Quite good scenery then we went over the Erskine Bridge to Duntocher to go around the top of Glasgow. Jane was doing a great job till there was a road closed and it threw us for a bit but we arrived at our destination, eventually. Nice.
http://www.westpleanhouse.com/ Moira is lovely, told us we are at home now so come and go as we please. Twin beds, but lovely size room, second from the left, first floor. We are here for 4 nights.
It is a working farm with cattle, and fields for sileage etc. Lovely woods to walk around and we are welcome to walk pretty much anywhere.
Even get good signal for the internet.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday 17th / Thursday 18th June 09
We left Morecombe in rain and it was another wet, wet day. We drove to Windermere the main tourist area in the Lakes Area. Lots of boats, people and visibility on the lake not very good. We went for a coffee and watched some of the boats take off and come in and watched more bus loads of folk arrive. Watched a video at the tourist centre and then decided to go to our farm stay, a dairy farm. Lovely room, lovely view, good hospitality. We had had a good pub lunch so decided didn’t need to eat any dinner.
We travelled out to the coastal area but the rain was still around a bit and it was extremely windy so we drove around a lot of the area but didn’t do a lot of walking. Got back early to watch the milking with their new machine which does it all. Amazing, and the cows almost fight to go in to be milked. Started to bucket down again and the wind hasn’t abated all day. Heading off to Scotland tomorrow
Tuesday 16th June
We left Bala to go to Chester to find an aqueduct and discovered that we had missed it 2 days before so we headed for Quarry Mill which was a cotton mill which showed how the cotton was made into fabric. It was very interesting. We hadn’t booked anywhere so rang through to a b & b in Morecombe, near Lancaster. Again a 3 story, so this time we left our suitcases in the car and only take in the essentials. We walked to a chinese restaurant which they had recommended and 20 mins later we finally got there. It was nice walking though as they had a lovely wide promenade along the beach front.
The room was stuffy and not a lot of room to move around, but the couple running the place were lovely. They had divided the rooms up and were running 12 bedrooms. If the place had been a bit better we might have stayed another night.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday 15th June 09
We headed for the coast from Bala via a couple of lakes and arrived at Tywyn and driving through the town, found the first patchwork/stitchery shop we have seen. It wasn’t a big shop but the lady was nice and we chatted and I spent too. (of course. Owen was even there too). It was a seaside village and was quite nice and much more like one of our beaches. We then followed the coast road to Barmouth opting to go all the way around the inlet not over the toll bridge. It is pretty countryside. We stopped at Barmouth for lunch on the beachfront and then had a walk, went to the supermarket and then off again following the coast again to Porthmadog (that is a simple name) and on to Caenarfon (carnavon) to see the castle there. Got there at 3.30 and had till 5. More stairs up and down and lots of undercover walkways. Lots of puffing and panting on my behalf too. Caenarfon is a walled city and that was quite nice to walk around. We then let Jane take us back to Bala for dinner and back to our abode. Had quite a long chat with the owners of the b & b and that was quite nice.
Sunday 14th June
Warwick Castle: We had been told it was very good and people were dressed up in period costume. It was one of the most expensive castles to go to and then there was extra for the audio guide and the dungeon. An expensive place to take children. It was good though and after spending 2 1/2 hours there it was time to move on. Once again another lovely summer day. Lots of people out and about.
Since arriving in England we have never seen so many convertible cars and so many luxury cars. Mondeo’s are popular too but most cars are small. Not heaps of large ones around like in Aus. Most caravans we have seen are single axle.
We had decided to move on into Northern Wales from just below Bristol. We didn’t bother going into Bristol.
We skirted around down the bottom of Bristol and Jane was doing fine until a road we came to had a diversion on it. We got her and ourselves a bit bamboozled but worked our way around it and got back on track.
Not long after we turned off into Wales we saw a sign for and aqueduct and canal so thought we would thrown Jane off again and go have a look. We were glad we did as we saw lots of canal boats and the P………Aqueduct that was over 1000 ft up from the valley below and the boats travelled over it. We happened to be in luck and got the last ride on a canal boat over and back on the aqueduct. It wasn’t as scary as I thought. When you looked over the side you could see how much of the boat was in the water and the side of the aqueduct.
We decided a lot of people set up their chairs at the junction there and watch the entertainment of people trying to steer and back their canal boats. It would be a good afternoon’s entertainment.
We then travelled on to Bala and had dinner and to our next farm stay 3 miles out.
Saturday 13th June
We realised we had missed a couple of things as we drove the next day so went back down to Blenheim Palace. It was quite spectacular and the grounds fabulous. Inside was different again to the others we have seen.
We then went through a few more villages in the Cotswolds and on to Stratford-upon-Avon. It was after 4 when we arrived but it was teeming with people. We found a car park and went to visit Shakespeare’s house etc. By the time we came out the shops were shutting but there was still plenty to do. It was a bit cooler by this time and more pleasant for strolling along, crossing over the river and generally having a look around. We caught the foot ferry across the river and walked back along the other side. Quite a pleasant finish to the day. No phone reception or internet whilst we stayed at Lighthorne.
Friday 12th June
We travelled through the Cotswolds and stopped for an early lunch then found where the smallest castle in England was located. We saw a sign post for walking so did. After quite a walk and the ground getting muddier and not knowing how far it was we turned back to see if we could find it by car. We did and we are glad we turned back it was still quite a way to go. Apparently a family lived in this castle until 1972. Must have been interesting. Good view though.
From there Jane got us to our next Farm Stay in Lighthorne. It was a 15th century farmhouse but we had a new room outside which was great as it had NO stairs.
Thursday 11th June
After a leisurely breakfast we set off for Bath. We managed to find the Park & Ride and caught the bus into Bath. We headed for the baths but instead got side tracked to a shop called Curry’s.
We finally gave in and bought a GPS! Hallelujah!! Jane is her name and she has managed to get us where we are going even when we decided to change our minds. Yes, I can hear you saying now mum, I told you to buy one.
We then headed to the Baths Pump Rooms. Amazing, great, quite impressive. We spent quite a while there and it was also busy.
What I have forgotten to mention in this blog is that a lot of the places we have gone have had audio guides. You can listen as you walk and it explains everything and if you don’t want to listen to it all you just stop it. In each place, except for one, the audio guide has been included in the price which we thought has been great.
We then went to the Abbey and had a look but not for long as there was a service on and we didn’t feel right walking around during that. We then walked to the gardens and river and the wonderful buildings around that area and to the small shops located on the bridge itself.
We went for a boat ride for 1 hr but were a little disappointed but it was relaxing. We then went to the Fashion Museum. By this time it was quite late and we found our bus back out and then found somewhere to eat on the way back to the farmhouse. We decided it was quite relaxing not trying to drive into the centre of town.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wed 10th June 09
Can’t believe I have got up to date. Not that I have given lots of news. Today we had a leisurely breakfast and chat with our hostess, Margaret. We set off around 10 to head for Bristol.
We got there in a roundabout way and eventually found the SS Great Britain. It was the first iron ship to be propeller driven. It was risen from the depths and restored and it must have taken quite some work to get it to where it is today. The hull is in pretty bad shape and it is covered and kept at a certain temperature (humid and warm) to protect it from going further. It was well done.
We had some lunch and tried to find Brunel’s suspension bridge and ended up down the coast a bit and eventually went back to the farm.
After our long day yesterday we wanted a fairly relaxed day so we didn’t try to see too much.
Tuesday 9th June 09
We had booked a Farm Stay for tonight so we had a bit of a trip to get to nearly Bristol.
We went to Land's end and it was very calm and mild. Stayed there about 3/4 hour and travelled towards Tintagel Castle. It was something to do with King Arthur. We had been told it was good to see.
We got there and hadn't realised how far it was down hill and it was ruins. Once down the hill then we had steps, and steps and steps etc (you get the drift) up to the ruin and church etc. The weather was good for climbing but oh what a climb. Lots of huffing and puffing on my part. Hard work on the knees coming back down. It was good to see but we couldn't stay to see it all as you really needed to spend a day. They offer (at a cost of course) landrover trips up and down, so we opted to get it back up to save time!!! really!
We then travelled on as we were told to see Clovelly as it was quite unique. We didn't go to Port Isaac where Doc Martin was filmed as we were pushed for time.
Clovelly, what a place. Every one has to park up on the hill and you can opt to walk down or catch the landrover.
It is cobblestones from top to bottom and what a slope. People who live there use sleds for getting things up and down. There were shops all down the pathway and it was amazing. Have to be special people to want to live there and I don't think there would be too many older people with walking sticks or electric carts. Not a lot of flat space down the bottom and we had no intention of trying to walk back up. It would take us too long. So once again the Landrover. Well worth the money and he could have charged at least 2 to 3 times the price and everyone would have paid it.
We moved on and got onto the M5 eventually and ended up finding our way fairly well to our first Farm Stay about 7miles from Bristol.
Lovely place, nice people, house needs some work but lovely room and separate sitting room if wanted. Nice outlook, good bed etc. Makes the one in Penzance look like a dump.
Monday 8th June
We left Topsham at10am to head towards Lands End. We had a lot of miles to cover and even though it isn't far in miles terms it takes ages because of the roads and traffic. Lots of little places we drove through. We opted not to go into Portsmouth. We stopped at Falmouth for lunch but the weather had turned again and it wasn't very pleasant. We went to the tourist bureau to book somewhere for the night down near Penzance.
We got our booking to stay at Marazion just before Penzance.
When we arrived the lane to get into the carpark was so narrow we scraped the mirrors and we decided not to stay but found another in Penzance and only stay for one night instead of 2.Well the substitute was not great. Some people's idea of b&b is interesting. Glad we were only staying one night.
Marazion has the castle on an island off the shoreline. Quite a sight. The waves were crashing over the promenade in Penzance.
We got our booking to stay at Marazion just before Penzance.
When we arrived the lane to get into the carpark was so narrow we scraped the mirrors and we decided not to stay but found another in Penzance and only stay for one night instead of 2.Well the substitute was not great. Some people's idea of b&b is interesting. Glad we were only staying one night.
Marazion has the castle on an island off the shoreline. Quite a sight. The waves were crashing over the promenade in Penzance.
Sunday 7th
We decided to go into Exeter on our own to try to get our mobile internet sorted. In the end they had to refund it as they wouldn't accept an international credit card and it was the only way to pay, so we ended up with another one from another company. So far it is ok but can be a bit slow.
We had a walk around the shops, had lunch near the catheral, watched a procession what looked like judges, barristers etc with all the pomp and ceremony and wigs etc. after they left the cathedral. Did some shopping in Marks and Spencer for dinner and for Mackenzie. (of course)
Then proceeded to try to find the car park again and then try to get out of Exeter in the right direction. Not a chance. Got back to Ted and Sheila's a bit later than expected and spent the rest of the time chatting.
We were looked after very well and not allowed to do anything, although I did help to rescue dinner on the first night. Another story. We would have loved to stay longer but unfortunately we had to keep moving.
We decided to go into Exeter on our own to try to get our mobile internet sorted. In the end they had to refund it as they wouldn't accept an international credit card and it was the only way to pay, so we ended up with another one from another company. So far it is ok but can be a bit slow.
We had a walk around the shops, had lunch near the catheral, watched a procession what looked like judges, barristers etc with all the pomp and ceremony and wigs etc. after they left the cathedral. Did some shopping in Marks and Spencer for dinner and for Mackenzie. (of course)
Then proceeded to try to find the car park again and then try to get out of Exeter in the right direction. Not a chance. Got back to Ted and Sheila's a bit later than expected and spent the rest of the time chatting.
We were looked after very well and not allowed to do anything, although I did help to rescue dinner on the first night. Another story. We would have loved to stay longer but unfortunately we had to keep moving.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Thursday - Saturday 6th June
We headed off towards Topsham and we had a reasonable distance to go. We decided not to try to see much as we wanted to get there at a reasonable time. We got lost through a few places as usual and arrived in Topsham around 2.15.
Sheila, Owen's cousin, was working till 5.30 but Ted made us most welcome and after getting settled we went walking. It was a great walk and we would never have seen much of Topsham if we had gone through it on our own. It is a lovely village or town as it has a town hall. It is very old like most of England. Some cobbled streets. It is a very desirable area to live in and hard to get into. We went to see where Sheila worked and then she met us at the pub after work. It was so pleasant and just lovely weather. Ted has lived here on and off most of his life and was very knowledgable. It is so much better not having to concentrate on where you are going and just being led.
Next day Sheila had to work again in the afternoon so we went to a rather large farm shop etc to have a look and spend. Then we dropped Sheila off and Ted took us to Exeter Catheral. Another WOW and it was free this week and also had displays from schools and it was wonderful and there was so much to see there. We then went driving around down the coast a bit. It was a lovely day, weather near perfect. A cornish pastie for lunch at Dawlish and off again to Torquay. A lovely afternoon and saw lots we wouldn't have seen.
Saturday saw us head off to Dartmoor and the moors but unfortunately the weather was not good and we did not see a lot even though we drove lots. We went to Castle Drogo and from then on it rained quite heavily and we couldn't see it at it's best and both Ted and Sheila were very disappointed. We stopped at the House of Marbles which has been converted to a shop with lots of goodies, marbles being one of them, and watched a guy make a colourful glass plate. That was interesting.
After that we headed for Exmouth and again the rain made it hard to see it well. We then went for Fish and Chips and home for an early evening. It's still raining. Would love to send some your way.
Well better get off now. Hopefully we will get something fixed with our computer soon.
We are both well but tired.
Sheila, Owen's cousin, was working till 5.30 but Ted made us most welcome and after getting settled we went walking. It was a great walk and we would never have seen much of Topsham if we had gone through it on our own. It is a lovely village or town as it has a town hall. It is very old like most of England. Some cobbled streets. It is a very desirable area to live in and hard to get into. We went to see where Sheila worked and then she met us at the pub after work. It was so pleasant and just lovely weather. Ted has lived here on and off most of his life and was very knowledgable. It is so much better not having to concentrate on where you are going and just being led.
Next day Sheila had to work again in the afternoon so we went to a rather large farm shop etc to have a look and spend. Then we dropped Sheila off and Ted took us to Exeter Catheral. Another WOW and it was free this week and also had displays from schools and it was wonderful and there was so much to see there. We then went driving around down the coast a bit. It was a lovely day, weather near perfect. A cornish pastie for lunch at Dawlish and off again to Torquay. A lovely afternoon and saw lots we wouldn't have seen.
Saturday saw us head off to Dartmoor and the moors but unfortunately the weather was not good and we did not see a lot even though we drove lots. We went to Castle Drogo and from then on it rained quite heavily and we couldn't see it at it's best and both Ted and Sheila were very disappointed. We stopped at the House of Marbles which has been converted to a shop with lots of goodies, marbles being one of them, and watched a guy make a colourful glass plate. That was interesting.
After that we headed for Exmouth and again the rain made it hard to see it well. We then went for Fish and Chips and home for an early evening. It's still raining. Would love to send some your way.
Well better get off now. Hopefully we will get something fixed with our computer soon.
We are both well but tired.
Tuesday- Thursday 4th June
We left Ken & Beryl's after a nice time and went to Arundel Castle. It is owned by an important family and they live in one wing of it and then open the rest but do let their visitors stay over. It had beautiful rooms, furniture and architecture. We really enjoyed it. We went for a walk through the town and had some lunch. Then headed off towards Portsmouth.
Arrived there to try and find somewhere to stay and ended up joining another library so we could use the internet. Found somewhere and when we arrived found we were up on the 3rd floor at the very top of a place with 4 levels. Breakfast was in the basement.
We went off to the shops the following morning to get mobile internet and ended up also with an english pre paid phone. We went to the docks to find the entry guarded by two policemen with machine guns. A bit offputting. We saw the Victory, the Mary Rose and the Warrior ships, had a cruise on the harbour to see all the naval ships in dock and surrounds, and also went to a few different museums. We arrived 10.20 and left at 4.30 and still didn't see everything. But a most enjoyable day.
Arrived there to try and find somewhere to stay and ended up joining another library so we could use the internet. Found somewhere and when we arrived found we were up on the 3rd floor at the very top of a place with 4 levels. Breakfast was in the basement.
We went off to the shops the following morning to get mobile internet and ended up also with an english pre paid phone. We went to the docks to find the entry guarded by two policemen with machine guns. A bit offputting. We saw the Victory, the Mary Rose and the Warrior ships, had a cruise on the harbour to see all the naval ships in dock and surrounds, and also went to a few different museums. We arrived 10.20 and left at 4.30 and still didn't see everything. But a most enjoyable day.
Sunday/Monday - Seaford
Arrived at Ken & Beryl's for lunch. We had never met them before but they made us feel welcome. We had some lunch and then they took us out. We visited Ken's boat and had a drive around Newhaven and to Beachy Head. We had driven close to it on the way but unless you know about these places you end up missing them. The cliffs are being eroded away very quickly and they have lots of pics of where it was when.
Unfortunately it is also known for suicides and later that night a man, wife and child were found. Very sad story.
After a lovely roast dinner we went for a drive into Brighton so show us where to go the following day and to have a look whilst not so busy. It is such along beach and all along lots of accomodation. The carnival was going on the pier and it was bustling.
Next day we went to Brighton to see the Royal Pavillion. WOW what a place. Extravagant, mindblowing and beautiful furniture, walls everything.
We also went north to the Bluebells railway and managed to get there in time for the last train ride. That was nice. As per ususal got lost on the way back and didn't arrive until 5.30. They must have thought we weren't coming back
Unfortunately it is also known for suicides and later that night a man, wife and child were found. Very sad story.
After a lovely roast dinner we went for a drive into Brighton so show us where to go the following day and to have a look whilst not so busy. It is such along beach and all along lots of accomodation. The carnival was going on the pier and it was bustling.
Next day we went to Brighton to see the Royal Pavillion. WOW what a place. Extravagant, mindblowing and beautiful furniture, walls everything.
We also went north to the Bluebells railway and managed to get there in time for the last train ride. That was nice. As per ususal got lost on the way back and didn't arrive until 5.30. They must have thought we weren't coming back
Saturday 30th -31st May
It's d-day and also Stewart's birthday. Hope you had a good one Stew.
Well sorry we have been off air for a week. We hadn't managed to buy some mobile internet and where we were staying we didn't have any either. We finally purchased one on Thursday but now we computer problems so we haven't been able to blog.
Well we have been to Dover and seen the white cliffs, lots of ferries to France and the Euro Star train and station.
We found a tourist shop in Dover (not by following signs though) and their computer was down so they gave us some information on b and b' as we were determined to get one before we began our day. There was nothing in Dover as it was very busy.
We went to Dover Castle and the Secret War Tunnels. Spent at least 3 hours there. It was interesting to see the war tunnels that were used and then the castle and it's surrounds. Unfortunately the Keep was not open but there was still plenty to see. It was starting to get warm.
We left there and travelled down through a few places but I haven't got the map with me. We went through Rye, and Winchelsea and Pett to find our out of the way b&b at Fairlight. It was a lovely home with a great sea view although there was a nuclear power station in the view and a wind farm. The people were extremely friendly and made you feel very much at home. Our room wasn't huge but the ensuite was. We went out for dinner to an old pub and it was a bit of a disappointment. Problems with my meal being given to some one else etc.
Something funny though, I asked if they could do a lemon, lime and bitters and she said yes. Well I got the lemon and lime ok but the bitters was beer, so in effect I had a shandy with lime. It tasted reasonable though and it was also a pint. Huge glass!!
The next day we went to Winchelsea as we had been told we missed the village it'self and it had a lovel church. We were glad we did go it was a lovely little place. On to Hastings which was extremely crowded as it was half term so lots of families etc. We parked somewhere in the shopping area and walked to the beach front. It was nice and there was lots going on. It had lots of entertainment for everyone. There was a castle there but we opted to go to Battle where the Battle of Hastings was in 1066.
Totally different scene. Lovely little town with the abbey, battlements, etc. What was great was an audio guide which comes in the price and you go at your own pace. We spent a couple of hours there and then walked up the main street. We decided to find the library so that we could get the directions for Owen's cousin Ken at Seaford as we would be going there in a couple of days. Problem is you have to temporarily join the library to use it.
We then went back to Rye to have a bit more of a look and then find a pub or somewhere to eat before returning to the b&b.
We have managed to email the kids so if anyone wants to know info you could ring them.
Well sorry we have been off air for a week. We hadn't managed to buy some mobile internet and where we were staying we didn't have any either. We finally purchased one on Thursday but now we computer problems so we haven't been able to blog.
Well we have been to Dover and seen the white cliffs, lots of ferries to France and the Euro Star train and station.
We found a tourist shop in Dover (not by following signs though) and their computer was down so they gave us some information on b and b' as we were determined to get one before we began our day. There was nothing in Dover as it was very busy.
We went to Dover Castle and the Secret War Tunnels. Spent at least 3 hours there. It was interesting to see the war tunnels that were used and then the castle and it's surrounds. Unfortunately the Keep was not open but there was still plenty to see. It was starting to get warm.
We left there and travelled down through a few places but I haven't got the map with me. We went through Rye, and Winchelsea and Pett to find our out of the way b&b at Fairlight. It was a lovely home with a great sea view although there was a nuclear power station in the view and a wind farm. The people were extremely friendly and made you feel very much at home. Our room wasn't huge but the ensuite was. We went out for dinner to an old pub and it was a bit of a disappointment. Problems with my meal being given to some one else etc.
Something funny though, I asked if they could do a lemon, lime and bitters and she said yes. Well I got the lemon and lime ok but the bitters was beer, so in effect I had a shandy with lime. It tasted reasonable though and it was also a pint. Huge glass!!
The next day we went to Winchelsea as we had been told we missed the village it'self and it had a lovel church. We were glad we did go it was a lovely little place. On to Hastings which was extremely crowded as it was half term so lots of families etc. We parked somewhere in the shopping area and walked to the beach front. It was nice and there was lots going on. It had lots of entertainment for everyone. There was a castle there but we opted to go to Battle where the Battle of Hastings was in 1066.
Totally different scene. Lovely little town with the abbey, battlements, etc. What was great was an audio guide which comes in the price and you go at your own pace. We spent a couple of hours there and then walked up the main street. We decided to find the library so that we could get the directions for Owen's cousin Ken at Seaford as we would be going there in a couple of days. Problem is you have to temporarily join the library to use it.
We then went back to Rye to have a bit more of a look and then find a pub or somewhere to eat before returning to the b&b.
We have managed to email the kids so if anyone wants to know info you could ring them.
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