Friday 31st August- Preparing to leave for France
Overcast morning. Had trouble seeing the planes coming into land though we could still hear them. Funny how you get use to the noise. I suppose if I lived here permanently I would soon loose interest in looking for the Qantas jets.
Went through our clothes and weeded out some of the summer ones as we probably brought too many with us. It’ll make it easy for us travelling on the trains and taxis in Paris.
Drove into Richmond to do some shopping in Waitrose and Tescos .
Bought some Chilean wine, which we had found to be quite good. Most of the shelves were stocked with Australian wines and of course some from France.
Filled the car up with petrol ready to hand over when we drive into London to drop it off at the Marble Arch depot. Have been studying the route, thankfully it will be early Saturday morning and the congestion charge will not have to be paid as it’s the weekend.
All very boring really, just winding down before we move on to the next exciting phase of our adventure to catch the Eurostar at noon tomorrow. Then another train down to Nogent-sur-vernisson in the Loire arriving about 6pm.We understand its just a very small hamlet where we will be met by Valerie and Geoff and taken to the local hotel where we will stay for a couple of nights. They are going to show us around and help us settle in before they leave to fly out to Australia.
Mandy, Nick and Sophie will be on their way back from their stay in the Southwest France, Biarritz I think.( Not sure if we will be able to meet up as we don’t really know where we will actually be Saturday evening)
Down to the allotment in the afternoon to water and pick any veggies that are ready.
It’s quite overcast but no rain and Sue doesn’t get back for another week.
Finally we walked up to the the end of the road and had a couple of beers at the Turks Head
before making dinner watching some TV and trying to get some sleep!
A big day tomorrow.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Friday 31st August-Preparing to leave for France
30th August Walk into Richmond
Overcast skies today and the threat of rain.
Gwyneth was off to Paris early this morning so it was goodbyes last night.
We decided to walk into Richmond Town Centre and take it easy today and catch up on some things we had to do, buying Euros, and some food etc for the house.
Didn't actually rain but much cooler, maybe the brief summer we experienced has come to an end.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday 29th August Round trip to Ramsgate
Wednesday 29th August.
Today we decided to make use of the car and go touring.
How far could we go? It looked like it was going to be another great day. How lucky are we!
So it was down to the M3 and on to the M25 and having gone the wrong way delayed our progress by at least half an hour. Back on the right track-heading south we set off to find the M20 and on to Folkestone and Dover.
On this motorway, which is only a dual carriageway we were dismayed to see, thankfully on the other side, a huge truck being retrieved by a breakdown vehicle, causing a 7-mile traffic queue! I don’t think I’ll ever complain about traffic snarls in Sydney again having seen that. They do have a fantastic system where you can ‘push TA’ button on the car radio and get updates on the status of all the major roads in the country. It just unfortunate if you are stuck in one of the jams but at least you get to know why and very often it’s just as a result of traffic congestion. Too many car and trucks! Keith would be very familiar with all this I’m sure.
When the motorways work its possible to cover miles and miles very quickly at a steady 80 mph. Luckily that’s what we were able to do except for a few places when we were reduced to 40 or 50.
We wanted to get to the coast and it wasn’t long before we had Dover in our sights having of course stopped off for the morning’s cup of coffee.
As we came down the hill we could see the white cliffs, the ferry terminal with some loading and many others making their way across the channel to France, which we could see clearly across the slatey grey ocean, shimmering in the bright sunlight. It looked so close.
We parked the car in the town centre and walked around the mall. The Roman painted room, the local museum we could only give a cursory glance to.
Dover Castle towering above the town looked very majestic. What a shame we didn’t have enough time to check it out.
It was then back to the car and chopping and changing our mind we decided to travel some of the B roads.
Along the B2046 it took us through some great countryside. Rolling hills, sheep grazing and farmer’s busy working, ploughing up and down doing what farmers do.
Lunchtime saw us at Wingham and the Red Lion. Ploughman’s lunch for Beatrice and a Tuna Jacket Potato for me was a good pub lunch. Once again we had to have a look around and find something out about the place, which we were told hadn’t change much in the last 172 years. Up on the wall was one of the journals, which were used in1750 when it was a local court, showing all the details of the proceedings etc? Many black & white photos all over the place added to its charm.
The foundations of the inn date back to 1285 and can still be seen.
Near Hearne Bay we could see out in the distance built in the shallows waters of the pale slate ocean a huge wind farm.
Houses in rows like Lego land. The rolling Kentish downs to the chalk white cliff and to the beauty of this county of Kent.
Here we could also see the Turner like yellow skies, the high cloud, the filtered light,
He really captured it so well and can be seen in most of his paintings.
We really could have stayed here and enjoyed the people and a few more drinks, but it wasn’t to be, as we had to keep on going, we were a long way from St.Margaret’s.
2.30pm and at least a three-hour trip home and not knowing what we might find on the motorways we set off.
Would you believe it, not congestion, not a breakdown no queuing we were home before we knew it. Even avoiding the trucks pushing their size about by pulling into the middle lane with hardly a blink of a light and the white vans bearing down on you we managed to stay out of trouble. No overtaking on the inside here, except for a couple of idiots, the motorway discipline is good; keep left unless overtaking is followed by everyone with most cars doing at least +80 mph or more! Strange really as the speed limit is 70 on the motorways. Saw some police and had the satisfaction of seeing them pull over one of those ‘white vans’, which must have been doing at least 90 to have been stopped.
It all very safe as long as you hold your own, keep up with the traffic, watch out for trucks pulling and of course those dreaded white vans.
Today we decided to make use of the car and go touring.
How far could we go? It looked like it was going to be another great day. How lucky are we!
So it was down to the M3 and on to the M25 and having gone the wrong way delayed our progress by at least half an hour. Back on the right track-heading south we set off to find the M20 and on to Folkestone and Dover.
On this motorway, which is only a dual carriageway we were dismayed to see, thankfully on the other side, a huge truck being retrieved by a breakdown vehicle, causing a 7-mile traffic queue! I don’t think I’ll ever complain about traffic snarls in Sydney again having seen that. They do have a fantastic system where you can ‘push TA’ button on the car radio and get updates on the status of all the major roads in the country. It just unfortunate if you are stuck in one of the jams but at least you get to know why and very often it’s just as a result of traffic congestion. Too many car and trucks! Keith would be very familiar with all this I’m sure.
When the motorways work its possible to cover miles and miles very quickly at a steady 80 mph. Luckily that’s what we were able to do except for a few places when we were reduced to 40 or 50.
We wanted to get to the coast and it wasn’t long before we had Dover in our sights having of course stopped off for the morning’s cup of coffee.
As we came down the hill we could see the white cliffs, the ferry terminal with some loading and many others making their way across the channel to France, which we could see clearly across the slatey grey ocean, shimmering in the bright sunlight. It looked so close.
We parked the car in the town centre and walked around the mall. The Roman painted room, the local museum we could only give a cursory glance to.
Dover Castle towering above the town looked very majestic. What a shame we didn’t have enough time to check it out.
It was then back to the car and chopping and changing our mind we decided to travel some of the B roads.
Along the B2046 it took us through some great countryside. Rolling hills, sheep grazing and farmer’s busy working, ploughing up and down doing what farmers do.
Lunchtime saw us at Wingham and the Red Lion. Ploughman’s lunch for Beatrice and a Tuna Jacket Potato for me was a good pub lunch. Once again we had to have a look around and find something out about the place, which we were told hadn’t change much in the last 172 years. Up on the wall was one of the journals, which were used in1750 when it was a local court, showing all the details of the proceedings etc? Many black & white photos all over the place added to its charm.
The foundations of the inn date back to 1285 and can still be seen.
Near Hearne Bay we could see out in the distance built in the shallows waters of the pale slate ocean a huge wind farm.
Houses in rows like Lego land. The rolling Kentish downs to the chalk white cliff and to the beauty of this county of Kent.
Here we could also see the Turner like yellow skies, the high cloud, the filtered light,
He really captured it so well and can be seen in most of his paintings.
We really could have stayed here and enjoyed the people and a few more drinks, but it wasn’t to be, as we had to keep on going, we were a long way from St.Margaret’s.
2.30pm and at least a three-hour trip home and not knowing what we might find on the motorways we set off.
Would you believe it, not congestion, not a breakdown no queuing we were home before we knew it. Even avoiding the trucks pushing their size about by pulling into the middle lane with hardly a blink of a light and the white vans bearing down on you we managed to stay out of trouble. No overtaking on the inside here, except for a couple of idiots, the motorway discipline is good; keep left unless overtaking is followed by everyone with most cars doing at least +80 mph or more! Strange really as the speed limit is 70 on the motorways. Saw some police and had the satisfaction of seeing them pull over one of those ‘white vans’, which must have been doing at least 90 to have been stopped.
It all very safe as long as you hold your own, keep up with the traffic, watch out for trucks pulling and of course those dreaded white vans.
Tuesday 28th August-Up to London
Tuesday 28th August
Today it was decided we would do the London bit and visit the Galleries for which Sue and Stuart had kindly lent us their membership cards.
Two travel cards at St.Margaret’s set us up for the day. Caught the train into Waterloo and took the opportunity to pick up our tickets for the train to Paris on Saturday morning, having bought them over the net before we left. No problems! And much cheaper than had we bought them on the day.
Off down to the river by the Festival hall and over the bridge past the National Gallery (both of us saying how it reminded us of the time when Keith was with us last year, pity he wasn’t today)
Heading for the Royal Academy of Arts to see ‘Impressionists by the Sea’, focusing on 19th Century representations of the northern coastline of France. Consisting of some 60 paintings by great artists including Monet, Manet, Renoir and Whistler.
We spent a good couple of hours here and before we left we left we had to look at the John Madejski Fine Rooms, in the house designed for Lord Burlington by Kent in 1719. This was once a great private mansion with huge grounds. After a succession of owners and transformations Burlington House was purchased by the government in 1854 and the Royal Academy being granted a 999-year lease in 1867. Oh the history of this country is mind-boggling. Though we are beginning to be less impressed with things now unless whatever it is, is at least a thousand years old! (Just kidding)
Time for a sandwich in Prêt a Manager. Great value here and you can find them all over London and are very popular.
So it was on to the Tate Britain. Underground to Pimlico and following the sign directions it was an easy walk.
Tate Britain houses the collection of British Art from 1500 to the present day.
The summer exhibition provided us with a rare opportunity to see some of JMW Turner’s beautiful watercolours.
(It’s enough to make you give trying to do your own watercolours away.)
Spent a long time here and just didn’t have enough time to go into the Turner interactive room where you could try your hand at some of the techniques he used.
We couldn’t go past the Exhibition of ‘How we are Photographing Britain’
From the earliest photos taken to the present day.
We would have needed a whole day to walk around to have viewed all the other galleries. So took a rain check for another time.
We decided to walk across Vauxhall Bridge to the train station to get back to St.Margaret’s. Starting to cool down so we were eager to get back home.
Today it was decided we would do the London bit and visit the Galleries for which Sue and Stuart had kindly lent us their membership cards.
Two travel cards at St.Margaret’s set us up for the day. Caught the train into Waterloo and took the opportunity to pick up our tickets for the train to Paris on Saturday morning, having bought them over the net before we left. No problems! And much cheaper than had we bought them on the day.
Off down to the river by the Festival hall and over the bridge past the National Gallery (both of us saying how it reminded us of the time when Keith was with us last year, pity he wasn’t today)
Heading for the Royal Academy of Arts to see ‘Impressionists by the Sea’, focusing on 19th Century representations of the northern coastline of France. Consisting of some 60 paintings by great artists including Monet, Manet, Renoir and Whistler.
We spent a good couple of hours here and before we left we left we had to look at the John Madejski Fine Rooms, in the house designed for Lord Burlington by Kent in 1719. This was once a great private mansion with huge grounds. After a succession of owners and transformations Burlington House was purchased by the government in 1854 and the Royal Academy being granted a 999-year lease in 1867. Oh the history of this country is mind-boggling. Though we are beginning to be less impressed with things now unless whatever it is, is at least a thousand years old! (Just kidding)
Time for a sandwich in Prêt a Manager. Great value here and you can find them all over London and are very popular.
So it was on to the Tate Britain. Underground to Pimlico and following the sign directions it was an easy walk.
Tate Britain houses the collection of British Art from 1500 to the present day.
The summer exhibition provided us with a rare opportunity to see some of JMW Turner’s beautiful watercolours.
(It’s enough to make you give trying to do your own watercolours away.)
Spent a long time here and just didn’t have enough time to go into the Turner interactive room where you could try your hand at some of the techniques he used.
We couldn’t go past the Exhibition of ‘How we are Photographing Britain’
From the earliest photos taken to the present day.
We would have needed a whole day to walk around to have viewed all the other galleries. So took a rain check for another time.
We decided to walk across Vauxhall Bridge to the train station to get back to St.Margaret’s. Starting to cool down so we were eager to get back home.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday August Bank Holiday and Kew Gardens
August Bank Holiday Monday 27th. August.
Sue and Stuart away at 6am.
Beatrice caught up on all the washing we had been accumulating and set it out to dry on yet another warm sunny day and I managed to catch up on the blog.
Caught the 1pm train to Richmond and then on to Kew Gardens. Neither of us having been there for many many years.
Booked for the 2pm walking tour guide so we could get our bearings and an introduction as what we can see and do during our visit. The guide being a very charming lady from Toronto, Canada.
We felt an affinity with the place as soon as we learnt that the Director of the gardens was an Australian.
We then spent the next 4 hours walking through the numerous glasshouses and gardens.
94% of every plant specimen in the UK has been collected here along with thousands of plants from every corner of the globe all being maintained by around 150 staff, whom also create and maintain the Gardens displays throughout the year plus 150 reserchers and biologists.
The history of the gardens mainly started with the collection that Joseph Banks returned to England with after his trip of exploration with Captain Cook in the 1770’s. The land having been given over to the nation over the years from various members of the royal family today makes up the 300 acres of Kew gardens.
It takes a good three hours to explore the whole of the Gardens and at least 40 minutes to walk the length of the Gardens .Of course you could take the explorer train or even a horse and buggy. However we decided to walk and went through the Palm House of tropical rain forests! The Princess of Wales Conservatory, The Temperate House and also stopped off for a cuppa at the Orangery. Too much to write about here, so check out the web site for Kew Gardens and read all about it.
You will also see that they have a Wollemi Pine here and sell small ones in their nursery to the general public for 95 pounds (about $220.00).Hope some of the money finds it way back to Australia.
Sue and Stuart away at 6am.
Beatrice caught up on all the washing we had been accumulating and set it out to dry on yet another warm sunny day and I managed to catch up on the blog.
Caught the 1pm train to Richmond and then on to Kew Gardens. Neither of us having been there for many many years.
Booked for the 2pm walking tour guide so we could get our bearings and an introduction as what we can see and do during our visit. The guide being a very charming lady from Toronto, Canada.
We felt an affinity with the place as soon as we learnt that the Director of the gardens was an Australian.
We then spent the next 4 hours walking through the numerous glasshouses and gardens.
94% of every plant specimen in the UK has been collected here along with thousands of plants from every corner of the globe all being maintained by around 150 staff, whom also create and maintain the Gardens displays throughout the year plus 150 reserchers and biologists.
The history of the gardens mainly started with the collection that Joseph Banks returned to England with after his trip of exploration with Captain Cook in the 1770’s. The land having been given over to the nation over the years from various members of the royal family today makes up the 300 acres of Kew gardens.
It takes a good three hours to explore the whole of the Gardens and at least 40 minutes to walk the length of the Gardens .Of course you could take the explorer train or even a horse and buggy. However we decided to walk and went through the Palm House of tropical rain forests! The Princess of Wales Conservatory, The Temperate House and also stopped off for a cuppa at the Orangery. Too much to write about here, so check out the web site for Kew Gardens and read all about it.
You will also see that they have a Wollemi Pine here and sell small ones in their nursery to the general public for 95 pounds (about $220.00).Hope some of the money finds it way back to Australia.
Wish we could have had time to look around Kew Palace but the last entry was at 4.15pm and we were too late. This was where King George lll was hidden when he went through his mad phase.
The floors have been reconstructed to look like when he lived there however the top floors were just as they had been left until 2004 after they had moved out, removed their furniture and shut the door two hundred years ago.
A very long day, so we were happy to get back on the train head for home for a glass of wine and as usual a great meal put together in rapid speed by Beatrice.
Needless to say we went to bed exhausted, as being a tourist is very tiring!
A very long day, so we were happy to get back on the train head for home for a glass of wine and as usual a great meal put together in rapid speed by Beatrice.
Needless to say we went to bed exhausted, as being a tourist is very tiring!
26th August. River trip to Hampton Court
Sunday 26th August 2007
What! another beautiful day? Yes. Clear blue skies and starting to warm up.
Sue, Gweneth, Beatrice & I set off to walk into Richmond along the river. Down past Marble House to the Ham Ferry, paid the ferryman 1 pound each and we were over to the other side, the trip taking all of 5 minutes.
Walking through the park we saw the set up for the days polo match, riders exercising their horses, riding around the ring or just out trotting.
Across the Richmond Common meadow, cows grazing, people strolling along and all this within 20 minutes from the heart of London.
Caught up with Stuart who had ridden his bike to meet us at the Tides Table Coffee shop on the riverbank in Richmond. Saw the river cruise boats so B & I decided we would take a trip down stream to Hampton Court, about 1-½ hours each way. Grabbed a Foccacia and a cup of coffee to ease the hunger pangs and caught the 1 pm cruise on board the Riverboat ‘Henley’
Found a couple of seats on the top deck and took in all the sights of the Thames, everybody out and about, walking, riding their bikes, pushing prams or just lazing about on the river banks. Rowing boats, sailing boats, powerboats and the narrow boats all making their way up and down stream.
Through the Teddington Lock where the river becomes controlled and is no longer tidal and up to Hampton Court, to the palace that King Henry VIII loved. Passing magnificent homes with lawns extending down to their boathouses most with pontoons where very often a cruise boat was moored along side. Pubs with lawns rolling down to the waters edge, everyone enjoying the summers day eating and drinking, this being the last public holiday long weekend for most people until Christmas.
Along side the river entrance wharf at Hampton Court and its golden gates it was time to disembark. We walked down the path and through the gardens and over to the bridge to buy a couple of ice creams where they were doing a roaring trade before returning to the wharf to board the boat for Westminster which would drop us off at Richmond along the way.
The River boat Master was telling us how busy it had been all day and said that the same time last week they had only 2 or three people on the cruise each way as the weather had been so cool and sunless. Not today though as Beatrice and I both found we had caught the sun and had red faces and arms.
In and out of the Teddington Lock and now as the river was ebbing we practically water-skied back.
Arrival at Richmond wharf we jumped off, crossed the bridge and walked back to St.Margaret's, sun burnt and tired.
Stuart had prepared his speciality Nicoise salad, which we washed down with ample glasses of wine and chatter about all the things we had all been up to that day.
Sue and Stuart had spent the afternoon packing their bags for their early 6 am start the next day travelling to Italy for a fortnight’s holiday to laze about in the sun and learn to make pasta and no doubt do some walking and exploring.
Before bed it was the rundown on household matters, garbage, door locks and the cat routine for their medicine and food requirements.
Will catch up with them both when we return on October 25th to drop off our bags before we travel down to Christchurch to stay for a few days before leaving for home in Australia. But that’s a long way off yet as we have France to look forward to next week.
And so to Bed.
What! another beautiful day? Yes. Clear blue skies and starting to warm up.
Sue, Gweneth, Beatrice & I set off to walk into Richmond along the river. Down past Marble House to the Ham Ferry, paid the ferryman 1 pound each and we were over to the other side, the trip taking all of 5 minutes.
Walking through the park we saw the set up for the days polo match, riders exercising their horses, riding around the ring or just out trotting.
Across the Richmond Common meadow, cows grazing, people strolling along and all this within 20 minutes from the heart of London.
Caught up with Stuart who had ridden his bike to meet us at the Tides Table Coffee shop on the riverbank in Richmond. Saw the river cruise boats so B & I decided we would take a trip down stream to Hampton Court, about 1-½ hours each way. Grabbed a Foccacia and a cup of coffee to ease the hunger pangs and caught the 1 pm cruise on board the Riverboat ‘Henley’
Found a couple of seats on the top deck and took in all the sights of the Thames, everybody out and about, walking, riding their bikes, pushing prams or just lazing about on the river banks. Rowing boats, sailing boats, powerboats and the narrow boats all making their way up and down stream.
Through the Teddington Lock where the river becomes controlled and is no longer tidal and up to Hampton Court, to the palace that King Henry VIII loved. Passing magnificent homes with lawns extending down to their boathouses most with pontoons where very often a cruise boat was moored along side. Pubs with lawns rolling down to the waters edge, everyone enjoying the summers day eating and drinking, this being the last public holiday long weekend for most people until Christmas.
Along side the river entrance wharf at Hampton Court and its golden gates it was time to disembark. We walked down the path and through the gardens and over to the bridge to buy a couple of ice creams where they were doing a roaring trade before returning to the wharf to board the boat for Westminster which would drop us off at Richmond along the way.
The River boat Master was telling us how busy it had been all day and said that the same time last week they had only 2 or three people on the cruise each way as the weather had been so cool and sunless. Not today though as Beatrice and I both found we had caught the sun and had red faces and arms.
In and out of the Teddington Lock and now as the river was ebbing we practically water-skied back.
Arrival at Richmond wharf we jumped off, crossed the bridge and walked back to St.Margaret's, sun burnt and tired.
Stuart had prepared his speciality Nicoise salad, which we washed down with ample glasses of wine and chatter about all the things we had all been up to that day.
Sue and Stuart had spent the afternoon packing their bags for their early 6 am start the next day travelling to Italy for a fortnight’s holiday to laze about in the sun and learn to make pasta and no doubt do some walking and exploring.
Before bed it was the rundown on household matters, garbage, door locks and the cat routine for their medicine and food requirements.
Will catch up with them both when we return on October 25th to drop off our bags before we travel down to Christchurch to stay for a few days before leaving for home in Australia. But that’s a long way off yet as we have France to look forward to next week.
And so to Bed.
Saturday 25th August Family visit
A beautiful day.
It was down to the allotment to pick beans and dig up potatoes for the days lunch, Sue having bought and poached the whole salmon over night. All hands on deck as the meal was prepared, the french doors swung wide open,the tables set up with the umbrella, the grass cut, the drinks ready, it was all go, everyone happy the day had turned out to be so great.
Laura arrived a little worse for wear from the previous evening so she said her hellos and then took off to catch up on some sleep. Good to see her and looking good and a lot of fun.
2 pm was arrival time for Mandy,(expecting an addition to the family in early November) Nick and little Sophie.
Lunch was a great success hearing all the family news and the talk of the holiday they were off on the next day to the south west of France. Having been to France many times this however was all new for them, as they were trying out a holiday camp site with self contained vans. Sue reassured them that they were great places to stay as they had used them many times.
Gweneth then arrived from Holy Head being a previous work colleague of Stuarts when they use to write and publish articles on social law etc.
We were a happy bunch and the day passed very pleasantly,
finishing with us sitting in the garden until 830 enjoying the long warm summer evening.
Must do some exercise as all this eating and drinking is beginning to show!
Maybe tomorrow.
It was down to the allotment to pick beans and dig up potatoes for the days lunch, Sue having bought and poached the whole salmon over night. All hands on deck as the meal was prepared, the french doors swung wide open,the tables set up with the umbrella, the grass cut, the drinks ready, it was all go, everyone happy the day had turned out to be so great.
Laura arrived a little worse for wear from the previous evening so she said her hellos and then took off to catch up on some sleep. Good to see her and looking good and a lot of fun.
2 pm was arrival time for Mandy,(expecting an addition to the family in early November) Nick and little Sophie.
Lunch was a great success hearing all the family news and the talk of the holiday they were off on the next day to the south west of France. Having been to France many times this however was all new for them, as they were trying out a holiday camp site with self contained vans. Sue reassured them that they were great places to stay as they had used them many times.
Gweneth then arrived from Holy Head being a previous work colleague of Stuarts when they use to write and publish articles on social law etc.
We were a happy bunch and the day passed very pleasantly,
finishing with us sitting in the garden until 830 enjoying the long warm summer evening.
Must do some exercise as all this eating and drinking is beginning to show!
Maybe tomorrow.
24th August Dorking visit
The weather not so good today.
Breakfast and an early visit for Kate who looked just as trim and great as usual. A catch up all old times and then she was off to prepare for her few days away in Bath for a hens party. A bit nervous though at the thought of the pole dancing class that had been set up for them all.
Overcast and the threat of rain. However it was not enough to deter us from going out to Dorking to where Mum lived as a young girl and where her Grandparents were married and buried.
Polesden Lacy was our first stop.A regency villa and 1400 acre estate in the beautiful Surrey Hills. This is where our Great Grandfather was the head gardener in the early 1900's. A magnificent home that was owned by a Mrs Greville.
A fortune inherited from her father Mr William McEwan an Edinburgh brewing millionaire and philanthropist enabled her and her husnband to buy Polesden Lacy in 1906 which was then bequethed to the National Trust in memory of her father in 1942 when she died.
Caught up with the house manager Paul Dearn who was very interested to hear about our family connection with the house. They are looking for whatever information they can find about the house and its working history as nearly all the details were destroyed by Mrs Greville's butler on her death at her request.
It is known that she was a great entertainer and friend of the royal family especially the late Queen Mother who spent her honeymoon there.
We checked out the gardens and the office and desk where the head gardener would have sat. Strange to think about how we were probably standing in the same greenhouse and potting shed that he might well have worked in. As I have some newspaper cuttings at home about 'old man Cole ' as he was called I will send copies to Paul to see if he can match him up in any of the gardeners photographs that they have.
It was then off to St.Michael's Church in Mickleham to look for our Great grand parents grave in the churchyard. This is where they were married and I believe my mother was christened.
Unfortunately where we thought his grave was it was so overgrown and really no headstone in existence we left disappointed, but not before looking at the ancient church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1080-1086)
It is also very sad that the Bible that was kept in the Chapel with all the details of the parishes births,deaths and marriages was stolen some years ago and has never been found.
It wasn't far to go to where our Great Grandparents lived in Chapel Lane. Three terrace cottages,Camilla Lacy Cottage, Hillcot and Oakburn. We are not exactly sure which one it was as Mum couldn't remember when Sue brought her here on a visit a few years ago. Mum looked after her Grandparents when she was 16 years old and use to walk across the fields and lane which is now a main road.
He lived here when he was a companion and gardener to George Merideth at Flint Cottage on Box Hill.
No time to go up Box Hill to see Flint Cottage as we had to head back to home in time for Stuart and not knowing what the traffic would be like we set off in plenty of time.
As it was we had a dream run home and had enough time for us all to go down to their club the Lensbury at Teddington lock for a drink and chat overlooking the river.
A great day and we have been promised that summer would be with us tomorrow!
Breakfast and an early visit for Kate who looked just as trim and great as usual. A catch up all old times and then she was off to prepare for her few days away in Bath for a hens party. A bit nervous though at the thought of the pole dancing class that had been set up for them all.
Overcast and the threat of rain. However it was not enough to deter us from going out to Dorking to where Mum lived as a young girl and where her Grandparents were married and buried.
Polesden Lacy was our first stop.A regency villa and 1400 acre estate in the beautiful Surrey Hills. This is where our Great Grandfather was the head gardener in the early 1900's. A magnificent home that was owned by a Mrs Greville.
A fortune inherited from her father Mr William McEwan an Edinburgh brewing millionaire and philanthropist enabled her and her husnband to buy Polesden Lacy in 1906 which was then bequethed to the National Trust in memory of her father in 1942 when she died.
Caught up with the house manager Paul Dearn who was very interested to hear about our family connection with the house. They are looking for whatever information they can find about the house and its working history as nearly all the details were destroyed by Mrs Greville's butler on her death at her request.
It is known that she was a great entertainer and friend of the royal family especially the late Queen Mother who spent her honeymoon there.
We checked out the gardens and the office and desk where the head gardener would have sat. Strange to think about how we were probably standing in the same greenhouse and potting shed that he might well have worked in. As I have some newspaper cuttings at home about 'old man Cole ' as he was called I will send copies to Paul to see if he can match him up in any of the gardeners photographs that they have.
It was then off to St.Michael's Church in Mickleham to look for our Great grand parents grave in the churchyard. This is where they were married and I believe my mother was christened.
Unfortunately where we thought his grave was it was so overgrown and really no headstone in existence we left disappointed, but not before looking at the ancient church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1080-1086)
It is also very sad that the Bible that was kept in the Chapel with all the details of the parishes births,deaths and marriages was stolen some years ago and has never been found.
It wasn't far to go to where our Great Grandparents lived in Chapel Lane. Three terrace cottages,Camilla Lacy Cottage, Hillcot and Oakburn. We are not exactly sure which one it was as Mum couldn't remember when Sue brought her here on a visit a few years ago. Mum looked after her Grandparents when she was 16 years old and use to walk across the fields and lane which is now a main road.
He lived here when he was a companion and gardener to George Merideth at Flint Cottage on Box Hill.
No time to go up Box Hill to see Flint Cottage as we had to head back to home in time for Stuart and not knowing what the traffic would be like we set off in plenty of time.
As it was we had a dream run home and had enough time for us all to go down to their club the Lensbury at Teddington lock for a drink and chat overlooking the river.
A great day and we have been promised that summer would be with us tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Thursday 23rd August Sue's Visit and to St Margarets
It was up early today as Sue was coming down on the train from St Margaret's to visit and then guide us back to London.
Mum having breakfast with us and keen to ensure that everything was going to be OK for her arrival at midday. She was feeling a lot better having had a good nights rest.
Pleased to say all went well and we ate a delicious meal of salmon and freshly dug potatoes that Sue had brought with her from her allotment.
Spent a very pleasant afternoon with Mum enjoying the sunshine on her enclosed balcony with a cup of tea in the late afternoon before to leaving for London at 6.30pm.
It was a bit sad to have to say goodbye to Mum as we wouldn't be seeing her again until we returned from France at the end of October. Sue also leaving for Italy for a couple of weeks so Mum will miss her fortnightly visit.
The drive up the motorway was excellent.No traffic problems or hold ups despite it being the beginning of the last long bank holiday weekend for everyone,.
Arrived at St. Margaret's at 745pm, caught up with Stuart and sat around the table eating, drinking and chatting late into the night.
Wednesday 22nd August ChristChurch
Quiet day today. Catch up on the house work, took Mum shopping into Christchurch.
Walked to the local shops and picked up some great fish & chips for lunch.
Then B & I set off for CC and got caught in a rain shower. Very windy though not cold.
Picked up the wool etc and raced back home to miss the rain for afternoon tea.
Sue coming tomorrow and we return with her to St.Margaret's until we leave for France on Saturday next week.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tuesday 21st August Drive to ChristChurch
10 am and its reluctantly off back to ChristChurch, having had a very enjoyable time in South Wales.
Down the A48 to avoid all the road repairs etc on the M4 on to Newbury and down the M3 and M27 and through the New Forest and Lyndhurst. All the purple gorse creating a beautiful glow across the fields and yellow Tansy all on the the roadside. Not many ponies seen today though we came across a few cows ambling along the road when we went through on the short cut. Stopped off at the Cat & Fiddle for a great steak lunch, with salad!
Home to unpack and out again to buy a few supplies before settling down for the evening after setting up Mums new printer. All working OK.
Down the A48 to avoid all the road repairs etc on the M4 on to Newbury and down the M3 and M27 and through the New Forest and Lyndhurst. All the purple gorse creating a beautiful glow across the fields and yellow Tansy all on the the roadside. Not many ponies seen today though we came across a few cows ambling along the road when we went through on the short cut. Stopped off at the Cat & Fiddle for a great steak lunch, with salad!
Home to unpack and out again to buy a few supplies before settling down for the evening after setting up Mums new printer. All working OK.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday 20th August Bonvilston
On wake up no rain, then the clouds came rolling across and the rain set in again.
Decided to taker off to the Cottrell Park golf club driving range foe some more expert tuition from Michael. Think I must have suffered from information overload as did not do as well as before. However have decided to pursue this game of golf and will get some more help and learn to manage to play a game of golf without embarrassing myself. Beatrice wants to give it a go as well.
A beautiful Roast Chicken prepared by Marian then into Cowbridge for Mum to have a massage whilst Michael & I off to meet up with Derek his golfing mate.
Back home and then drinks with John & Sandra, more golfing friends and back home for a snack and catch up on the newspapers and an early night.
Sunday 19th August @ M & M's
At M & M's
Took a rain check from church today, so M & M off for the morning service as Michael says they can't get by without his support in the choir.
Visited Marians parents and took Tessa (the dog) for a walk.
Phone calls to Raglan for our get together with Richard and all the family at Cardiff Quay for dinner. Table for 10 at Valentinos.
A great evening.
Took a rain check from church today, so M & M off for the morning service as Michael says they can't get by without his support in the choir.
Visited Marians parents and took Tessa (the dog) for a walk.
Phone calls to Raglan for our get together with Richard and all the family at Cardiff Quay for dinner. Table for 10 at Valentinos.
A great evening.
Saturday 18th August Raglan
Up early,well 8.00am and down to breakfast. Beatrice not feeling hungry decided to give it a miss. Pleasant surprise when Richard joined me for a cup of tea before setting off to the Camping & Kite centre.
Johnnie very kindly offered to take us into Monmouth to visit the Nelson Museum and Local History Centre.
Raining when we arrived and not opening until 1100am so it was to the coffee shop across the road seeking shelter and some warmth.
Had a good look around and was interested to discover that when Nelson came to Monmouth to be presented the keys to the city for his great victory at the Nile he stayed two nights at the Beaufort Arms in Raglan. I wonder if he also stayed in room one ?
Read all about Abergavenny ( Heart of South East Wales) and well known as the Gateway to Wales.
Castles, Canals, Museums, Abbeys so much to see, we could spend months here and not see it all.
Back to the Garden centre to drop Johnnie off before we headed back to Bonviliston.
Watched the rugby Wales v Argentina thankfully Wales won so the celebrations in the pub afterwards were all in a good spirit.
Not so good for the English though who lost to the French side . Back to the coach for some extra help here I think before they take the Aussies on in the world cup next month in France.
Enjoyable day.
Drive down the M6 to South Wales
All we can say about today is that the sun was shining or should I say it wasn't raining and we spent the day on the M6 driving south.
We stopped of at Stafford services for a break and some lunch along with nearly everyone else in the area.
It was then back to the M6, not a motorway but a crawl-way!Bumper to bumper traffic for hour upon hour. Stop, start, hold ups at every junction. Signs telling us along the way, congestion, slow down. Needn't have bothered we were stopped most of the time.
J13 , the slipway for the V-fest was blocked and must have been for hours. We could see people milling around out of their cars having cups of coffee etc, mobile homes with the doors open and the occupants sitting on the steps eating. They must have been there for hours and weren't going anywhere for hours! Good luck to them we thought.
The M6 then all at once seemed empty. We can missed the lane signs for the M6 on to the M5 and found ourselves going down the M6 (Toll). A study of the map and it appeared we were in big trouble. It cost us £3 to get off and after asking a few directions we eventually find our way back to the M5 nearly an hour later. We were hardly on speaking terms with each other for some time until we managed to laugh about it when we were back on the correct roads heading in the right direction.
It was all so tiring that we decided to head for Raglan (which has a wonderful castle)to catch up with Richard and family. Checked into the Beaufort Arms in the village and met up with everyone for dinner at the Kings Arms, where we all enjoyed each others company and a pleasant meal.
It was late and we were very tired and traffic weary so we were happy to get into bed.
Very enjoyable, and went to bed tired and traffic weary.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Bowness Lake District Thursday 16th August
Weather forecast not good for the day.
Good breakfast and off to tour around. First stop William Wordsworth best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 until 1850 until his death at the age of 80.
We toured around his Rydal Mount House and gardens enjoying the ambiance and knowledge that he wrote much of his work here in the attic studio he had built. Strangely enough he never owned his house just rented it from a nearby resident. It was not brought back into the Wordsworth family until 1969 when it was purchased by Mary a great great grandchild and opened for the public to visit. The family still live in the house and private areas are cordoned off for them.
Drove on into Keswick via Thirlmere, to have some lunch and visit the Derwent pencil factory. Very hard to find parking so we drove out to the Boat landing area on the Derwentwater and walked back into town. Started to rain now and the temp down to 11 deg. Cold, and this is summer!
Managed to find a coffee shop in the central mall, just as the rain came pouring down.
When the rain eased we walked through the markets, everybody looking wet and aimlessly walking around. On to the Cumberland Pencil Museum for a look around and to buy a few pencils as souvenirs. The first ever pencils were produced in Keswick following the discovery of Cumberland Graphite, becoming famous in the Elizabethan era in 1558. However it was the Italians that first discovered the wooden holder.
Decided to get back to the car before the rain set in again.
Back tracked through Grassmere and Ambleside on to Coniston to visit John Ruskin’s museum and Donald Campbell’s story on his water speed breaking attempts and his eventual crash and death on Lake Coniston in 1967. The speedboat was recovered in 2001 from the lake bed and they are now collecting funds to reconstruct it for the new museum they are building. Here at Coniston Lake holidaymakers all lined up on the jetty waiting to board their Lake tour on the Steam Yacht Gondola. People having tea under umbrellas, eager to keep doing everything they can despite the weather.
Here also the Arthur Ransome story and where he acquired all his inspiration for his Swallows and Amazons stories, bringing them all so much more to life.
Time to head for home along narrow walled roads, past lakes, mountains with stonewalls snaking their way up and across the sides. Walkers seen everywhere, they must be in heaven in the Lake District. It’s a huge business with shops doing a roaring trade selling all the required gear; wet weather gear being the most sold I should think.
The rain really coming down now. Driving along we could see walkers being flushed out of the wooded areas on the sides of the roads very wet and probably eager to find their car, but also I should think feeling quite healthy and fulfilled with the walking.
Here also is Beatrix Potter country, her home and gardens, also Dove Cottage where Wordsworth spent his early years and Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home fro 1872-1900. All too much to visit in the time we have.
So it’s back to Virginia's B & B to have a wash and into town to find something to eat, which we did at Villa Positano for a spaghetti and other.
Spitting with rain so we dodged our way back and settled down for a bath, read and write up the blog.
So to bed.
Good breakfast and off to tour around. First stop William Wordsworth best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 until 1850 until his death at the age of 80.
We toured around his Rydal Mount House and gardens enjoying the ambiance and knowledge that he wrote much of his work here in the attic studio he had built. Strangely enough he never owned his house just rented it from a nearby resident. It was not brought back into the Wordsworth family until 1969 when it was purchased by Mary a great great grandchild and opened for the public to visit. The family still live in the house and private areas are cordoned off for them.
Drove on into Keswick via Thirlmere, to have some lunch and visit the Derwent pencil factory. Very hard to find parking so we drove out to the Boat landing area on the Derwentwater and walked back into town. Started to rain now and the temp down to 11 deg. Cold, and this is summer!
Managed to find a coffee shop in the central mall, just as the rain came pouring down.
When the rain eased we walked through the markets, everybody looking wet and aimlessly walking around. On to the Cumberland Pencil Museum for a look around and to buy a few pencils as souvenirs. The first ever pencils were produced in Keswick following the discovery of Cumberland Graphite, becoming famous in the Elizabethan era in 1558. However it was the Italians that first discovered the wooden holder.
Decided to get back to the car before the rain set in again.
Back tracked through Grassmere and Ambleside on to Coniston to visit John Ruskin’s museum and Donald Campbell’s story on his water speed breaking attempts and his eventual crash and death on Lake Coniston in 1967. The speedboat was recovered in 2001 from the lake bed and they are now collecting funds to reconstruct it for the new museum they are building. Here at Coniston Lake holidaymakers all lined up on the jetty waiting to board their Lake tour on the Steam Yacht Gondola. People having tea under umbrellas, eager to keep doing everything they can despite the weather.
Here also the Arthur Ransome story and where he acquired all his inspiration for his Swallows and Amazons stories, bringing them all so much more to life.
Time to head for home along narrow walled roads, past lakes, mountains with stonewalls snaking their way up and across the sides. Walkers seen everywhere, they must be in heaven in the Lake District. It’s a huge business with shops doing a roaring trade selling all the required gear; wet weather gear being the most sold I should think.
The rain really coming down now. Driving along we could see walkers being flushed out of the wooded areas on the sides of the roads very wet and probably eager to find their car, but also I should think feeling quite healthy and fulfilled with the walking.
Here also is Beatrix Potter country, her home and gardens, also Dove Cottage where Wordsworth spent his early years and Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home fro 1872-1900. All too much to visit in the time we have.
So it’s back to Virginia's B & B to have a wash and into town to find something to eat, which we did at Villa Positano for a spaghetti and other.
Spitting with rain so we dodged our way back and settled down for a bath, read and write up the blog.
So to bed.
To The Lake District Wednesday 15th August
A good B & B breakfast and away by 930. Still raining. We decided to drive out on the A5025. Stoned walled green fields, much like England. Much use of slate everywhere again. Small bungalow type houses made of stone some painted white. Sheep fat and woolly the size of small calves with the odd black sheep here and there. Just above Camaes a wind farm extended right across the distant ridge. The harbour here was quaint with a sandy beach. Probably packed on a summer’s day! The town was ablaze with colour, every house having window boxes and planters outside the shops, pink, red, yellow, just great even in the rain. Past the ancient copper mining area of Parys Mountain, dating back to the roman times. In fact 3500 years of mining here! Too windy and cold to do the copper walking trail. Perhaps another day…
The A5025 would take us on around the north of the island and back on to the mainland via the Menai Bridge. Through Bangor, tourist bureau still closed, out on the A55 dual carriageway, which has recently been made into a dual carriageway. The other side of the road having been carved through the rock face with long tunnels, on through Conwy and Colwyn Bay and off at junction 23a heading for Rhyl. This is where the beaches are and the great holiday B & B’s, campsites, caravan parks etc.
Raining hard the holidaymakers looked a glum lot. Most just aimlessly walking about hiding under umbrellas and hooded raincoats. Caravans everywhere. Many for sale, probably having been abandoned by holiday makers who have given up and gone to Las Palmas or where ever the sun might be shinning. On past the deserted funfair crossing the river Dee on a most spectacular bridge being a smaller version of our ANZAC bridge in Sydney. Huge road works at Connah’s Quay carving through the countryside, building bridges, tunnels probably extending the M56 by a good few miles.
Crossed over into England, no goodbye Wales or welcome to England signs, just a line on the map which we noticed and of course not seeing all the signs in English and Welsh.
Over in the distance we can see Ellesmere Port; power stations belching white steam and smoke adding to the cloudy skies. Flattish countryside and low wooded hills.
Passed all the signs, Wigan, St Helens, Warrington all the places where are RL footballers come to play the last few years of their playing careers.
Stopped of at Charnock Richards services for a break and a stretch of our legs. Accosted at the front door to sign up for a credit card by a buxom blonde. Found out her 20-year-old son, Jonathon Platts plays for the Cowboys in Australia. Previously having been with the Warriors. Says he is very happy and is being well looked after by the QRL, however he is transferring to a Sydney club next year.
Surprise the sun came out with blue sky as we approached Preston. On up past through Lancaster on the M6 until we saw the signs for the Lakes.
Racing along now heading for Windermere on the A591.This part of Cumbria is a land of low stone walls (dry) brick walls with fields dotted creating a crazy paving design.
Into Windermere, traffic snarled up, sun still shinning as we made our way slowly into town. Stopping of at the tourist bureau we selected Veronicas a B & B, further on down the road in Bowness just up from Windermere Lake. A large rabbit warren of rooms with creaking hallways, latch doors and small rooms. We loved it and were surprised to find we had a spa bath in our en-suite.
Dumped our bags and set out to walk around town. All sorts of Lake trips available, however it was quite windy and the lake choppy. We would wait until tomorrow so we continued to walk through the town.
Hungry by now so we had a meal at Gibby’s in town and back to our room, tired and ready to plan our next day.
So to bed.
The A5025 would take us on around the north of the island and back on to the mainland via the Menai Bridge. Through Bangor, tourist bureau still closed, out on the A55 dual carriageway, which has recently been made into a dual carriageway. The other side of the road having been carved through the rock face with long tunnels, on through Conwy and Colwyn Bay and off at junction 23a heading for Rhyl. This is where the beaches are and the great holiday B & B’s, campsites, caravan parks etc.
Raining hard the holidaymakers looked a glum lot. Most just aimlessly walking about hiding under umbrellas and hooded raincoats. Caravans everywhere. Many for sale, probably having been abandoned by holiday makers who have given up and gone to Las Palmas or where ever the sun might be shinning. On past the deserted funfair crossing the river Dee on a most spectacular bridge being a smaller version of our ANZAC bridge in Sydney. Huge road works at Connah’s Quay carving through the countryside, building bridges, tunnels probably extending the M56 by a good few miles.
Crossed over into England, no goodbye Wales or welcome to England signs, just a line on the map which we noticed and of course not seeing all the signs in English and Welsh.
Over in the distance we can see Ellesmere Port; power stations belching white steam and smoke adding to the cloudy skies. Flattish countryside and low wooded hills.
Passed all the signs, Wigan, St Helens, Warrington all the places where are RL footballers come to play the last few years of their playing careers.
Stopped of at Charnock Richards services for a break and a stretch of our legs. Accosted at the front door to sign up for a credit card by a buxom blonde. Found out her 20-year-old son, Jonathon Platts plays for the Cowboys in Australia. Previously having been with the Warriors. Says he is very happy and is being well looked after by the QRL, however he is transferring to a Sydney club next year.
Surprise the sun came out with blue sky as we approached Preston. On up past through Lancaster on the M6 until we saw the signs for the Lakes.
Racing along now heading for Windermere on the A591.This part of Cumbria is a land of low stone walls (dry) brick walls with fields dotted creating a crazy paving design.
Into Windermere, traffic snarled up, sun still shinning as we made our way slowly into town. Stopping of at the tourist bureau we selected Veronicas a B & B, further on down the road in Bowness just up from Windermere Lake. A large rabbit warren of rooms with creaking hallways, latch doors and small rooms. We loved it and were surprised to find we had a spa bath in our en-suite.
Dumped our bags and set out to walk around town. All sorts of Lake trips available, however it was quite windy and the lake choppy. We would wait until tomorrow so we continued to walk through the town.
Hungry by now so we had a meal at Gibby’s in town and back to our room, tired and ready to plan our next day.
So to bed.
Bound for North Wales Tuesday 14th August
Marian & B made up some great sandwiches for our lunch, a thermos full of hot coffee and a final run down from Michael on the route to take. Get on to the M4 heading to London then off at exit 32 and it’s the A470 going north all the way!
They were right about the rain and putting the sleeping bags into the car somehow seemed a hopeful thought. Well it was in case of an emergency.
So all set at 930 it was good byes all round and we are off. Up through to the National Park, the Brecons. Sun tried to come out, but still raining and very low clouds and mist. We were lucky that Michael had taken us around the Brecons when it was much clearer when we were on a previous visit.
The fields were just as we always comment, just a patchwork quilt of greens and browns across the countryside dotted with black grey sheep-black underbelly, legs, face and grey topside. Mauve heather/gorse mountains look like rocks. This is a walkers paradise, like so many places in Britain.
So nice to see the rivers running fast over pebbles, rocks and through the green fields with a variety of trees some of them growing phenomenally tall.
Pushing on ahead on the A470 through Builth Wells much the same countryside on through the non-stop rain.
Stopped for a break at Meirion Mill in the Snowdonia National Park. This is where King Arthur had his last battle, being slain here. Ate the last of the sandwiches, which were beautiful. Had a look around the shop/mill, mostly souvenirs and clothes and of course made use of the toilets.
On we go with the rain setting in harder once again. Past Cymer Abbey and through Llechwedd where the slate caverns are. What a place. This must be where the slate is mined. Huge mountains of it, most of it though hidden from us by the heavy rain and mist. It’s used everywhere, the walls on the side of the roads, houses, churches, schools in fact nearly everywhere you can imagine. The roads here are being extensively reworked with a dual carriageway being carved through the rocks. The slate being used extensively for the build up of the road. The face of the place is being changed as a result of the traffic that must use this route and the subsidence that has occurred in many places. Delays all the time with traffic lights and lolly pop stop/go signs.
Betws-y-Coed very busy. Hotels, B& B’s, shops all awash with people milling about everywhere, sheltering under umbrellas or running from shop to shop trying to escape the rain.
It was time to leave the A470 and turn on to the A5 still in the Snowdonia National Park. Michael was right when he said this was a great scenic drive. Through Capel Curig making for Bangor. Feeling a travel weary by now we were thinking about finding somewhere to stay the night.
Into Bangor we found the tourist information office was closed. Saw a few ‘No Vacancies’ so pressed on to Holyhead, crossing the impressive Britannia Bridge. Still raining, we stopped of at few places and found there were no vacancies. The tent did not appeal to me, so when we found the Haven and a Mr. Evans who welcomed us with open arms, we were delighted. Great view overlooking where the car/passenger ferry comes and goes each day. Would we be going to Ireland tomorrow he asked? No thanks, we just want to find somewhere to have a bite to eat, a walk through the cobbled mall, a drink and go to bed. Which we did.
They were right about the rain and putting the sleeping bags into the car somehow seemed a hopeful thought. Well it was in case of an emergency.
So all set at 930 it was good byes all round and we are off. Up through to the National Park, the Brecons. Sun tried to come out, but still raining and very low clouds and mist. We were lucky that Michael had taken us around the Brecons when it was much clearer when we were on a previous visit.
The fields were just as we always comment, just a patchwork quilt of greens and browns across the countryside dotted with black grey sheep-black underbelly, legs, face and grey topside. Mauve heather/gorse mountains look like rocks. This is a walkers paradise, like so many places in Britain.
So nice to see the rivers running fast over pebbles, rocks and through the green fields with a variety of trees some of them growing phenomenally tall.
Pushing on ahead on the A470 through Builth Wells much the same countryside on through the non-stop rain.
Stopped for a break at Meirion Mill in the Snowdonia National Park. This is where King Arthur had his last battle, being slain here. Ate the last of the sandwiches, which were beautiful. Had a look around the shop/mill, mostly souvenirs and clothes and of course made use of the toilets.
On we go with the rain setting in harder once again. Past Cymer Abbey and through Llechwedd where the slate caverns are. What a place. This must be where the slate is mined. Huge mountains of it, most of it though hidden from us by the heavy rain and mist. It’s used everywhere, the walls on the side of the roads, houses, churches, schools in fact nearly everywhere you can imagine. The roads here are being extensively reworked with a dual carriageway being carved through the rocks. The slate being used extensively for the build up of the road. The face of the place is being changed as a result of the traffic that must use this route and the subsidence that has occurred in many places. Delays all the time with traffic lights and lolly pop stop/go signs.
Betws-y-Coed very busy. Hotels, B& B’s, shops all awash with people milling about everywhere, sheltering under umbrellas or running from shop to shop trying to escape the rain.
It was time to leave the A470 and turn on to the A5 still in the Snowdonia National Park. Michael was right when he said this was a great scenic drive. Through Capel Curig making for Bangor. Feeling a travel weary by now we were thinking about finding somewhere to stay the night.
Into Bangor we found the tourist information office was closed. Saw a few ‘No Vacancies’ so pressed on to Holyhead, crossing the impressive Britannia Bridge. Still raining, we stopped of at few places and found there were no vacancies. The tent did not appeal to me, so when we found the Haven and a Mr. Evans who welcomed us with open arms, we were delighted. Great view overlooking where the car/passenger ferry comes and goes each day. Would we be going to Ireland tomorrow he asked? No thanks, we just want to find somewhere to have a bite to eat, a walk through the cobbled mall, a drink and go to bed. Which we did.
South Wales 13th August
Quiet Day today. Spent the morning catching up on the blog and emails.
Lunch and leaving Mum to rest at home as she was very tired the four of us set off to the Quay side to have a look at the new Opera House (Wales Millennium Centre)
‘Wales flagship arts and cultural centre host to some of the world’s biggest productions-from West End and Broadway musicals to ballet and opera’
Tours run a couple of times a day. Michael decided that we would do our own and defying ‘no public access’ we took the lift up to the third floor and took a look into the main concert hall. Very impressive and very similar to our own Opera House concert hall. (Check the weblink)
It was then off to Explore the new National Assembly of Wales, the peoples Senedd.
Much to a lot of Welsh peoples dismay many millions of pounds have been spent here and are being spent for them just to be over governed by the bureaucrats
The publicity blurb says ‘the striking Welsh slate and glass architecture of the Senedd was designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership to reflect the National Assembly for Wales’ core philosophy of openness and transparency. It is a building that blends traditional Welsh products and natural materials such as Welsh slate, glass and wood with state of the art design and technology. (We didn’t know at the time but we were to see where that slate came from)
Time for a cup of tea, nothing too appealing open, so we made our way back to the car and drove to M & M’s yacht club. In Penarth across the bay from their previous house.
Then it was home bound to Mum, as I’m sure she probably thought we had got lost, as the time had run away from us.
It was a pleasant evening relaxing and B & I planning our trip away the next day up to Anglesey and the Lake District. The weather forecast was not looking too bright with rain and storms due to hit the areas we want to visit over the next two days. We have been very lucky so far, however if its one thing we can’t change it’s the weather.
So to bed.
Lunch and leaving Mum to rest at home as she was very tired the four of us set off to the Quay side to have a look at the new Opera House (Wales Millennium Centre)
‘Wales flagship arts and cultural centre host to some of the world’s biggest productions-from West End and Broadway musicals to ballet and opera’
Tours run a couple of times a day. Michael decided that we would do our own and defying ‘no public access’ we took the lift up to the third floor and took a look into the main concert hall. Very impressive and very similar to our own Opera House concert hall. (Check the weblink)
It was then off to Explore the new National Assembly of Wales, the peoples Senedd.
Much to a lot of Welsh peoples dismay many millions of pounds have been spent here and are being spent for them just to be over governed by the bureaucrats
The publicity blurb says ‘the striking Welsh slate and glass architecture of the Senedd was designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership to reflect the National Assembly for Wales’ core philosophy of openness and transparency. It is a building that blends traditional Welsh products and natural materials such as Welsh slate, glass and wood with state of the art design and technology. (We didn’t know at the time but we were to see where that slate came from)
Time for a cup of tea, nothing too appealing open, so we made our way back to the car and drove to M & M’s yacht club. In Penarth across the bay from their previous house.
Then it was home bound to Mum, as I’m sure she probably thought we had got lost, as the time had run away from us.
It was a pleasant evening relaxing and B & I planning our trip away the next day up to Anglesey and the Lake District. The weather forecast was not looking too bright with rain and storms due to hit the areas we want to visit over the next two days. We have been very lucky so far, however if its one thing we can’t change it’s the weather.
So to bed.
South Wales Sunday 12th August
Rained gently overnight however by morning the sun was shinning brightly. How lucky are we!
It was breakfast as usual. Deciding to skip the blood pressure check ups. Not something we want to face so early in the morning as we have to be ready for church parade and moving off to attend the morning service. Didn’t really feel much up to it but managed to rally my strength when I realised how desperately they wanted me to attend. No doubt they must have thought I needed to get a blessing boost.
Like Cinderella Beatrice was left behind to amuse herself as her own choice. (She actually did the washing up etc)
Arrived St.Lukes in Canton. A 20 century church but reconfigured by the removal of all the pews and an alter placed in the centre of the church with the chairs placed all around. The singing group being in one section in the assembly.
It was a big day as the Assistant Bishop Barry was to take the service as everyone else was on holiday. Magnificent in his robes and his headgear with ribbons. (Can’t think what they are called). Armed with an order of service I followed along diligently, fist having moved with Mum into a row in the front of us so we could get a better view of the proceedings.
A bit different to what Mum is use to with incense burning and candles. I must say they were a bit short changed here, as there was very little smoke. Not being swung around enough I found out later. Poor old assistant seemed a bit frail.
Taking communion everyone moved themselves off to stand around the church walls.
Still being of the unconfirmed I stayed in my seat. It was at this point that I realised I was all on my own and felt all the eyes were upon me. Not so I was told later.
All over it was the dismissal hymn and then teatime.
The Bishop walked around chatting and spent some time with reminiscing about how he loves Manly. He enjoyed a great trip around Australia but it was Manly that took his fancy. What a nice bloke.
Home to Beatrice and then off to the Oyster Catcher we meet up with Becky, Michael, Ziggy and Acacia. In Penarth, not for from where Michael and Marian use to live at the Marina.
Great to catch up with them all, the children looking as a sweet as ever. Becky and Michael loved relaxed and happy.
Great family restaurant, kids everywhere.
Off home to Michael's after a brief tour around his old stamping ground.
Michael showed us his Segway that he was promoting around the country.A computer balanced two wheel transporter that can travel up to 8mph. We all had a go in the garden and found it easy to get the hang of.
The children played and entertained us and had their baths so they would be ready for bed as soon as they arrived home.
It was then quiet time for us, not much to eat a some television and so to bed.
It was breakfast as usual. Deciding to skip the blood pressure check ups. Not something we want to face so early in the morning as we have to be ready for church parade and moving off to attend the morning service. Didn’t really feel much up to it but managed to rally my strength when I realised how desperately they wanted me to attend. No doubt they must have thought I needed to get a blessing boost.
Like Cinderella Beatrice was left behind to amuse herself as her own choice. (She actually did the washing up etc)
Arrived St.Lukes in Canton. A 20 century church but reconfigured by the removal of all the pews and an alter placed in the centre of the church with the chairs placed all around. The singing group being in one section in the assembly.
It was a big day as the Assistant Bishop Barry was to take the service as everyone else was on holiday. Magnificent in his robes and his headgear with ribbons. (Can’t think what they are called). Armed with an order of service I followed along diligently, fist having moved with Mum into a row in the front of us so we could get a better view of the proceedings.
A bit different to what Mum is use to with incense burning and candles. I must say they were a bit short changed here, as there was very little smoke. Not being swung around enough I found out later. Poor old assistant seemed a bit frail.
Taking communion everyone moved themselves off to stand around the church walls.
Still being of the unconfirmed I stayed in my seat. It was at this point that I realised I was all on my own and felt all the eyes were upon me. Not so I was told later.
All over it was the dismissal hymn and then teatime.
The Bishop walked around chatting and spent some time with reminiscing about how he loves Manly. He enjoyed a great trip around Australia but it was Manly that took his fancy. What a nice bloke.
Home to Beatrice and then off to the Oyster Catcher we meet up with Becky, Michael, Ziggy and Acacia. In Penarth, not for from where Michael and Marian use to live at the Marina.
Great to catch up with them all, the children looking as a sweet as ever. Becky and Michael loved relaxed and happy.
Great family restaurant, kids everywhere.
Off home to Michael's after a brief tour around his old stamping ground.
Michael showed us his Segway that he was promoting around the country.A computer balanced two wheel transporter that can travel up to 8mph. We all had a go in the garden and found it easy to get the hang of.
The children played and entertained us and had their baths so they would be ready for bed as soon as they arrived home.
It was then quiet time for us, not much to eat a some television and so to bed.
Monday, August 13, 2007
11th August
Saturday 10th August Wales
Once again a sunny bright day. How much longer can it last?
All eating a healthy breakfast, some of us working on getting our blood pressure down after we were all checked again.
Mum looking refreshed after a good nights rest.
Marian off to her parents on her daily visit.
Michael and I off to buy some things from Tesco's for our lunch and then to the driving range to hit a few balls. Dropped Beatrice off at St.Nicholas as she wanted to walk back home looking at all the historic houses and gardens. Footpaths and right of ways through fields all over England that have existed for centuries can be seen every where you go. I think it would be possible to walk all over the place without using man roads and of course many people do, as they all seemed to be well used.
Events with animals have been cancelled or postponed due to the current foot and mouth outbreak and the restriction of moving any livestock across the country.
Its takes Beatrice 1 ½ hours to walk home whilst Michael gives me a lesson on hitting a golf ball at his club Cottrell Park. With amazement I improve dramatically and get some sort of encouragement from Michael that I have done very well. He demonstrates how he does it and drives the ball far and accurately. However he decides to show me just how much more he has to learn by inviting the club professional over to drive a few. I haven’t seen may true golfers hit the ball but his drives were almost out of the driving range grounds and straight as an arrow. However I’m told that Tiger woods would make him look like an amateur. With that I knew just how far I had to go and probably wouldn’t live long enough or be physically able. Still I think I’ll give it another go in Australia.
Arriving back a little late for lunch we both hoped we weren’t in too
much trouble.
We all enjoyed a drinks and a healthy lunch sitting outside on the patio.
Time to go again as we were off to catch up with Richard and his family about a forty-minute driving away.
First stop his Camping and Kite centre in Raglan. One of the largest displays of erected tents in the UK. A great accessories shop and everything you could possible want to go on an extended camping holiday. Richard insists we take a pop up tent and a hammer and tent peg kit as an emergency back up when B & I go up north next week to have a look around. for a few days.
6pm and time to close shop so we all head from Richards house.
All the family there except for Matthew who was in Manchester.
Johnny and his girlfriend Ellie, Ami and her boyfriend Dave and of course Madeleine and the dog Molly. Johnny looking even better than the last time we met him. Walking with a cane he was quite independent. We chatted about what he had been through and how it was almost a year to the day since the accident. I don’t think many of the family thought that he would be as well as he is today considering the state he was in. Much to be thankful for and I’m sure as a result of the support and encouragement he has received from his family and friends willing him on.
Michael, Richard and I decide to walk across the road to the Beaufort Arms to buy some beers. Deciding to stop for drink we order the pints up.
Somehow it was an hour later that we arrived back and with a comment from B that we only had managed to return with just 4 beers.
Richard was in his element cooking for 11 and the dog. Chicken,chops,steaks and of course the sausages. Salad bread and potatoes beer wine made it all a very enjoyable time.
.
Once again a sunny bright day. How much longer can it last?
All eating a healthy breakfast, some of us working on getting our blood pressure down after we were all checked again.
Mum looking refreshed after a good nights rest.
Marian off to her parents on her daily visit.
Michael and I off to buy some things from Tesco's for our lunch and then to the driving range to hit a few balls. Dropped Beatrice off at St.Nicholas as she wanted to walk back home looking at all the historic houses and gardens. Footpaths and right of ways through fields all over England that have existed for centuries can be seen every where you go. I think it would be possible to walk all over the place without using man roads and of course many people do, as they all seemed to be well used.
Events with animals have been cancelled or postponed due to the current foot and mouth outbreak and the restriction of moving any livestock across the country.
Its takes Beatrice 1 ½ hours to walk home whilst Michael gives me a lesson on hitting a golf ball at his club Cottrell Park. With amazement I improve dramatically and get some sort of encouragement from Michael that I have done very well. He demonstrates how he does it and drives the ball far and accurately. However he decides to show me just how much more he has to learn by inviting the club professional over to drive a few. I haven’t seen may true golfers hit the ball but his drives were almost out of the driving range grounds and straight as an arrow. However I’m told that Tiger woods would make him look like an amateur. With that I knew just how far I had to go and probably wouldn’t live long enough or be physically able. Still I think I’ll give it another go in Australia.
Arriving back a little late for lunch we both hoped we weren’t in too
much trouble.
We all enjoyed a drinks and a healthy lunch sitting outside on the patio.
Time to go again as we were off to catch up with Richard and his family about a forty-minute driving away.
First stop his Camping and Kite centre in Raglan. One of the largest displays of erected tents in the UK. A great accessories shop and everything you could possible want to go on an extended camping holiday. Richard insists we take a pop up tent and a hammer and tent peg kit as an emergency back up when B & I go up north next week to have a look around. for a few days.
6pm and time to close shop so we all head from Richards house.
All the family there except for Matthew who was in Manchester.
Johnny and his girlfriend Ellie, Ami and her boyfriend Dave and of course Madeleine and the dog Molly. Johnny looking even better than the last time we met him. Walking with a cane he was quite independent. We chatted about what he had been through and how it was almost a year to the day since the accident. I don’t think many of the family thought that he would be as well as he is today considering the state he was in. Much to be thankful for and I’m sure as a result of the support and encouragement he has received from his family and friends willing him on.
Michael, Richard and I decide to walk across the road to the Beaufort Arms to buy some beers. Deciding to stop for drink we order the pints up.
Somehow it was an hour later that we arrived back and with a comment from B that we only had managed to return with just 4 beers.
Richard was in his element cooking for 11 and the dog. Chicken,chops,steaks and of course the sausages. Salad bread and potatoes beer wine made it all a very enjoyable time.
.
10 th August
.
Friday 10th August Departure day for Wales
A beautiful day once again. We can hardly believe our good fortune.
Beatrice & I decided to walk into CC so we could stretch our legs before the four-hour drive to South Wales.
What a great walk it always is. Going along the river and past the Christchurch Mill dating back to the 10 century we past on through the church grounds along the nuns walk and the thickly covered vine archway just allowing a flicker of sunlight through as its so dense. Up and on and a look at the map as how it all was 900 years ago, Christchurch Castle, with the Keep and moat, draw bridges and walls. The mind wanders into the past and what stories the old flint walls could tell, the tragedy’s, the happy, the sad times and how we will also move on one day and for many more years to come others will also walk around and be absorbed by it all and pass on into history.
Time for coffee so off to the Soho Café sitting outside overlooking the Keep ruins.
Home again after buying Beatrice’s sunglasses, for lunch and to pack the car with the suitcases etc.
What a great trip! We just flew along once we were on the dual carriageways, averaging 75 mph. What joy. Up the M27 to the M3 across to Newbury in under an hour and on to the M4 heading west. No stopping us, we thought we would be knocking on Mikes door in no time.
Across the magnificent Severn Bridge (owned by the French) and into the right lane to pay the 5.10 pound toll.
It was then when I looked ahead I saw the dense traffic jam of cars and trucks. It was so bad that they were keeping the boom gates down, as there was no place to go.
Over the next hour and a half or so we only covered 10 miles. We crawled stopped and continued to do so it seemed forever. Road works, cars broken down and the shear volume of traffic trying to get into Wales on a Friday afternoon was all too much.
Nothing lasts forever, and we eventually arrived at Michael's.
All happy now and safe we enjoyed pizza and salad.
Chatted, catching up on all things and got around to how are blood pressure was standing up. Michael produces a monitor and everyone is checked. First round not the best. Changed arms and did it again.Probably the traffic hold ups had made mine high.
Time for bed
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Day we drove to South Wales 9th August
Beautiful day. Under instructions to get to South Wales early afternoon. Journey estimate about 3-4 hours.
Up early checked emails, breakfast and then the daily routine to go through the days mail to see how much money Mum has won or what awards she has been given. Mums mail can be up to 5 or 6 letters all claiming she has been selected as the winner of the £1000 prize or something similar. All she has to do is send £10 to cover postage and handling, make an order and the cheque will be on its way! We have been the lucky ones selected for a carriage clock, holiday and numerous other great prizes. It dosen't take us long to decide they are just after Mums money.
Some of the charity letters receive some acknowledgement as money likes to support children in Africa and other 'worthy' requests. Thankfully Mum is quite selective in her decisions and weeds out the ones that look sus. I must say it really boosts the mail delivery each day and keeps the postman in a job.
It was off into CC for Beatrice and I.Left Mum to get her things together for our little trip away whilst we were off to buy some sun glasses. We walked down by the river past the old mill place. Checked them all out.Settled on a pair that were on special in the super drug store. Coffee was called for in the soho cafe in church street.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday 7th August.
After a full breakfast, we paid our money and drove to park the car locally in a non-park & pay street, as tipped off by the tourist bureau.
Kings College Chapel first stop. Having seen in Australia the Christmas service televised from there each year. Admittedly always the previous years service. (Check the web link- too much to put here) We must have spent over an hour here, reading looking and absorbing the whole place. The Rubens painting "The Adoration of the Magi" has a history of having been vandalised when IRA was carved across it. Having been restored it is said that if you look at it at a certain angle in the right light you can still see it. I tried , but was unable to.
What a wonderful place, once again the history is overwhelming, just like everything else in this country. We continued to walk around Cambridge taking in all the sights.
Most of the centre area is restricted to bicycles and the odd delivery vans between certain hours. Just about everybody rides one and visitors hire them as well. It's the best way to get about town. At this time of the year whilst all the Cambridge undergraduates are on their summer breaks the colleges fill up with language students from all over the world learning English or attending different conferences. So the place is never empty.
We must have walked for miles however we enjoyed it all.
Time to set off as we wanted to see as much as we can. We drove up to Ely and stopped off for a shared banquette and a look at the Cathedral. (Built by William the Conqueror). On to the North Coast of Norfolk skirting around Kings Lynn , on to the A149 coastal road to look for a B & B for the night. The Kings Head, now the Orange Tree in a little village called Thornham suited us fine. Bed and breakfast and a bar for a a couple of drinks, in the beer garden. We were quite hungry by now and having seen how popular a mobile fish & chip van that was doing a roaring trade just outside in the village square we decided to check it out. We waited our turn to be served, cod for Beatrice and haddock for me. All cooked to order, so it didn't happen all that quickly, mine taking twice as long for some reason. We went back to our room, and as we were in the converted stables we sat outside our room ate and drank the left over wine from the previous day.
Most of the centre area is restricted to bicycles and the odd delivery vans between certain hours. Just about everybody rides one and visitors hire them as well. It's the best way to get about town. At this time of the year whilst all the Cambridge undergraduates are on their summer breaks the colleges fill up with language students from all over the world learning English or attending different conferences. So the place is never empty.
We must have walked for miles however we enjoyed it all.
Time to set off as we wanted to see as much as we can. We drove up to Ely and stopped off for a shared banquette and a look at the Cathedral. (Built by William the Conqueror). On to the North Coast of Norfolk skirting around Kings Lynn , on to the A149 coastal road to look for a B & B for the night. The Kings Head, now the Orange Tree in a little village called Thornham suited us fine. Bed and breakfast and a bar for a a couple of drinks, in the beer garden. We were quite hungry by now and having seen how popular a mobile fish & chip van that was doing a roaring trade just outside in the village square we decided to check it out. We waited our turn to be served, cod for Beatrice and haddock for me. All cooked to order, so it didn't happen all that quickly, mine taking twice as long for some reason. We went back to our room, and as we were in the converted stables we sat outside our room ate and drank the left over wine from the previous day.
For whatever reason I wasn't feeling the best so took to my bed. Spent a sleepless night,very hot, and restless. Anxious about getting enough rest as we had to drive all the way home the next day.
8th August 2007- Homeward journey.
Up for breakfast, one of those full English ones
To Cambridge 6th August
Trip to Cambridge
We were away by 930am with our sandwiches all made for our lunch stop. Up the M27/M3 and for nostalgia we stopped at the Fleet service centre. Memories coming back as this was where we were stopped on our last visit. The police having followed us for at least 15 mins. Sirens and flashing lights is not something we want to experience again. It was anon event this time and we had our coffee and set off again. On up to the M25 where we swung a left to take us round to the Cambridge exit. A few slow spots but otherwise the run was very good and the traffic kept up to 60-70mph most of the way. Looking out for exit 27 Cambridge here we come!
Arrived and parked at the Lion Plaza car park to find the tourist bureau as it was now 1pm and we wanted to sort out where to stay. Checked out Ely but decided to stay closer to town. Canterbury house B&B sounded pretty good , but before setting off we sat in the Great St Mary’s church ground and had our sandwiches sitting next to Naris Reed who died at 17 in 1837. She didn’t mind.
We were away by 930am with our sandwiches all made for our lunch stop. Up the M27/M3 and for nostalgia we stopped at the Fleet service centre. Memories coming back as this was where we were stopped on our last visit. The police having followed us for at least 15 mins. Sirens and flashing lights is not something we want to experience again. It was anon event this time and we had our coffee and set off again. On up to the M25 where we swung a left to take us round to the Cambridge exit. A few slow spots but otherwise the run was very good and the traffic kept up to 60-70mph most of the way. Looking out for exit 27 Cambridge here we come!
Arrived and parked at the Lion Plaza car park to find the tourist bureau as it was now 1pm and we wanted to sort out where to stay. Checked out Ely but decided to stay closer to town. Canterbury house B&B sounded pretty good , but before setting off we sat in the Great St Mary’s church ground and had our sandwiches sitting next to Naris Reed who died at 17 in 1837. She didn’t mind.
Then it was on to the ring road and with a few U turns we found the place. En Suite and clean and tidy. Dropped our bags had a wash and checked our local map and set off walking into town. Past Magdalene College, Pepys library closed today so on further over the River Cam and we were collared to go for a 45 minute Chauffeured punt ride with commentary. 2 seniors 10 quid each. OK we went to join our ride at Jesus Green. We were introduced to our “chauffeur” a young guy drinking his way around Europe who hailed from Brisbane. He had learnt the spiel and had all the info. (Check the River Cam link )
Needless to say he had all the gift of the gab, some of ……windows which had been bricked up years ago were done so because they was a window tax imposed. It is thought that this is where the term (“daylight robbery) came from. One of the little gems our guide told us was that when when Charles attended Kings College his bodyguard who was with him at all times, sat in on the lectures etc, and so it was thought that it was only fair that he could sit for the degree himself. They both took the exams and the bodyguard received a higher degree. Our fellow Aussie assures us that was a fact!. He did tell us a few others, but as I don't want to end up in the Tower I won't put them on the WWW.
Safely back to the river bank we set off to continue our walk. Most places were now closed for the day, last entry being 4.30pm. So, to look for a pub to have a drink. Checked a few out but the Mitre did the trick. Great meal, ordered wine and they only had Australian reds to select from. Out of Jacobs Creek so settled on a Crescent Bay, from SE Australia. Pretty tired we set off for our B&B as it was at least a 20-minute walk. Very tired and so to bed. Turned the news on to catch up with the details of the recent foot and mouth disease. The devastation for the farmers having their livestock slaughtered was upsetting.
Needless to say he had all the gift of the gab, some of ……windows which had been bricked up years ago were done so because they was a window tax imposed. It is thought that this is where the term (“daylight robbery) came from. One of the little gems our guide told us was that when when Charles attended Kings College his bodyguard who was with him at all times, sat in on the lectures etc, and so it was thought that it was only fair that he could sit for the degree himself. They both took the exams and the bodyguard received a higher degree. Our fellow Aussie assures us that was a fact!. He did tell us a few others, but as I don't want to end up in the Tower I won't put them on the WWW.
Safely back to the river bank we set off to continue our walk. Most places were now closed for the day, last entry being 4.30pm. So, to look for a pub to have a drink. Checked a few out but the Mitre did the trick. Great meal, ordered wine and they only had Australian reds to select from. Out of Jacobs Creek so settled on a Crescent Bay, from SE Australia. Pretty tired we set off for our B&B as it was at least a 20-minute walk. Very tired and so to bed. Turned the news on to catch up with the details of the recent foot and mouth disease. The devastation for the farmers having their livestock slaughtered was upsetting.
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